Improved photostability of In2S3 QD/TNT type-II heterostructures via noble metal passivation for efficient hydrogen production and wastewater remediation

Khaliq N, Ullah H, Danish M, Ali G, Rasheed MA, Murtaza M, Khan M, Shakir I, Xie Y, Schmuki P (2026)

Publication Type: Journal article

Publication year: 2026

Journal

Nanoscale Royal Society of Chemistry

DOI: 10.1039/d6nr00723f

Abstract

Photocatalytic materials capable of simultaneous clean energy production and environmental remediation are crucial for addressing global energy and pollution challenges. In this report, a novel and robust Ar–Pt/In2S3/TNT type-II heterostructure was designed for efficient photocatalytic degradation of methylene orange and H2 evolution. In2S3 quantum dots (QDs) were decorated on TiO2 nanotubes (TNTs) through a chemical bath deposition method, acting as a sensitizer to enhance visible light absorption. An outer porous Pt nanoparticle (NP) layer dewetted in an Ar environment was further deposited as a sacrificial layer to increase the photostability of In2S3/TNTs. The Ar-treated Pt/In2S3/TNT (Ar–Pt/In2S3/TNT) heterostructure exhibits enhanced visible-light absorption, improved charge separation, and superior charge transport due to the optimal band alignment. Ar–Pt/In2S3/TNTs demonstrated high degradation efficiency for methyl orange (MO) and rhodamine B (RhB) with an elevated rate constant. The fabricated electrode shows an exceptional H2 evolution rate (0.441 mL h−1 cm−2), 11 times higher than that of pristine TNTs, and enhances the photostability of the sulfide surface due to the protective Pt NP layer. The Ar–Pt/In2S3/TNT heterostructure shows quantum yields of 8.5% and 11.2% upon illumination with a 365 nm LED and 450 nm LED, respectively. This study presents a highly efficient, stable, and visible-light-responsive photocatalyst for simultaneous pollutant degradation and clean energy production.

Authors with CRIS profile

Patrik Schmuki Lehrstuhl für Werkstoffwissenschaften (Korrosion und Oberflächentechnik) (LKO)

Involved external institutions

Pakistan Institute of Engineering & Applied Sciences (PIEAS) PK Pakistan (PK) Wuhan University of Technology CN China (CN) Pakistan Institute of Nuclear Science and Technology PK Pakistan (PK) International Islamic University Islamabad (IIUI) / بين الاقوامی اسلامی يونيورسٹی اسلام آباد‎ PK Pakistan (PK) Islamic University of Madinah / الجامعة الإسلامية بالمدينة المنورة SA Saudi Arabia (SA)

How to cite

APA:

Khaliq, N., Ullah, H., Danish, M., Ali, G., Rasheed, M.A., Murtaza, M.,... Schmuki, P. (2026). Improved photostability of In2S3 QD/TNT type-II heterostructures via noble metal passivation for efficient hydrogen production and wastewater remediation. Nanoscale. https://doi.org/10.1039/d6nr00723f

MLA:

Khaliq, Nilem, et al. "Improved photostability of In2S3 QD/TNT type-II heterostructures via noble metal passivation for efficient hydrogen production and wastewater remediation." Nanoscale (2026).

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