Lattice Defects and Electronic Modulation of Flower-Like ZnInS Promote Photocatalytic Degradation of Multiple Antibiotics.

Photocatalysis is an effective technique to remove antibiotic residues from aquatic environments. Typical metal sulfides like ZnInS have been applied to a wide range of photocatalytic applications. However, there are currently no readily accessible methods to increase its antibiotic-degrading activity. Here, a facile hydrothermal approach is developed for the preparation of flower-like ZnInS with tunable sulfur lattice defects. Photogenerated carriers can be separated and transferred more easily when there is an adequate amount of lattice defects. Moreover, lattice defect-induced electronic modulation enhances light utilization and adsorption properties. The modified ZnInS demonstrates outstanding photocatalytic degradation activity for levofloxacin, ofloxacin, and tetracycline. This work sheds light on exploring metal sulfides with sulfur lattice defects for enhancing photocatalytic activity.