Abstract
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•Bi2S3/ZrO2 nanocomposites were synthesized by a simple approach using template.•100% photooxidation of thiophene was achieved under visible-light within 105 min.•The rate constant of 15% Bi2S3/ZrO2 was promoted 5.25 times than that of ZrO2 NPs.•Bi2S3/ZrO2 nanocomposites exhibited excellent durability and stability for five cycles.
Mesoporous Bi2S3/ZrO2 nanocomposites were successfully synthesized utilizing non-ionic surfactant Pluronic (F-68) by a simple sol–gel process for thiophene oxidation under visible illumination. Bi2S3 NPs (15 nm) with a crystal phase of orthorhombic were distributed on the mesoporous ZrO2 (20–30 nm) with monoclinic symmetry. The Bi2S3/ZrO2 photocatalysts displayed a greater separation rate of photoinduced charge carriers and extended light response than pure ZrO2. Moreover, the optimized 15%Bi2S3/ZrO2 exhibited the highest photocatalytic efficiency (100%) within 105 min of visible light illumination. The photocatalytic efficiency of Bi2S3/ZrO2 nanocomposites is remarkably larger three folds than that of pure ZrO2 NPs. The rate constant of 15% Bi2S3/ZrO2 photocatalyst was improved 5.25 times larger than that of pure ZrO2 NPs. The improvement photocatalytic ability of Bi2S3/ZrO2 nanocomposites was explained by Bi2S3 being incorporated into mesoporous ZrO2 NPs, the formation of heterojunction Bi2S3/ZrO2 nanocomposites, and the visible light utilization in wide wavelengths, which enhanced the separation and migration of electrons and holes. This research verifies that the construction of heterojunction nanomaterials is important in obtaining substantially effective photocatalysts for wastewater treatments under solar energy.