In situ ion exchange synthesis of the Bi4Ti3O12/Bi2S3 heterostructure with enhanced photocatalytic activity

• One-dimensional Bi4Ti3O12/Bi2S3 hierarchical heterostructures are fabricated.
• Bi2S3 nanorods can be in situ generated on the surface of Bi4Ti3O12 nanofibers.
• Bi4Ti3O12/Bi2S3 heterostructures exhibit enhanced photocatalytic activity.
• Well-matched band structure enhances the photo-induced charge separation.

One-dimensional Bi4Ti3O12 nanofibers were synthesized by an electrospinning method. Subsequently, through a simple in situ ion-exchange reaction between the Bi4Ti3O12 nanofibers and thioacetamide, Bi4Ti3O12/Bi2S3 hierarchical heterostructures were successfully fabricated. Controlled partial ion exchange brings about the close interconnection between the semiconductors to benefit the separation of carriers. The Bi4Ti3O12/Bi2S3 heterostructures exhibited enhanced photocatalytic performance under visible light. The improved photocatalytic activities are attributed to the visible light absorption enhanced by Bi2S3 and the formation of a heterojunction between Bi4Ti3O12 and Bi2S3, which can effectively accelerate the charge separation and transfer.

Bi4Ti3O12/Bi2S3 hierarchical heterostructures exhibit enhanced photocatalytic activity due to the photoinduced interfacial charge transfer.Figure optionsDownload as PowerPoint slide