Superhydrophilicity of photocatalytic branched TiO2 nanorods/In2S3 heterostructure for water purification.

In 2 S 3 / branched TiO 2 nanorods (br-TiO 2) heterostructure was prepared by a simple route using three-step methods as a visible and solar light photocatalyst for water treatment applications. Structural properties have been carried out by X-ray diffraction and Raman spectroscopy. Scanning electron microscopy coupled with energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy and atomic force microscopy has been used to determine the morphology and the surface roughness of samples. The In 2 S 3 / br-TiO 2 heterojunction confirm the presence of both structures of Rutile TiO 2 and cubic β-In 2 S 3. Optical results showed that the heterojunction exhibited increased absorption ability in the visible light, indicating an increased photoactivity for In 2 S 3 / br-TiO 2 in the visible light. Wettability studies reveal that In 2 S 3 / br-TiO 2 film is superhydrophilic with water contact angle of 0°. Photocatalytic activity of heterojunction In 2 S 3 / br-TiO 2 was assessed with remarkable degradability performance of 85% after 80 min under solar irradiation. The reusability test highlighted that the In 2 S 3 / br-TiO 2 still maintained high photocatalytic activity over five cycles. The photoelectrochemical activity was evaluated. The results showed the successful development of In 2 S 3 / br-TiO 2 heterostructure with better photoactivity properties. The In 2 S 3 / br-TiO 2 electrode achieved remarkably improved current density (0.59 mA.cm2 at 0.6 V vs Ag/AgCl) compared to br-TiO 2 and In 2 S 3. These results reveal that In 2 S 3 / br-TiO 2 thin films being excellent photoactivity along with its superhydrophilic nature which it is possesses great potential toward the development of newly synthesizable catalysts in the field of water purification. • br-TiO 2 , In 2 S 3 , In 2 S 3 / br-TiO 2 thin films were prepared by a cost-effective hydrothermal method and chemical bath deposition • Excellent light harvesting capabilities of In 2 S 3 br-TiO 2 heterostructure • In 2 S 3 / br-TiO 2 thin films show superhydrophilic character • High performance photocatalytic activity of heterostructure up to 85% after 80 min under solar irradiation. • The PEC performance of In 2 S 3 / br-TiO 2 is greatly improved compared to those of br-TiO 2 and In 2 S 3. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]