Insights into photocatalytic mechanism over a novel Cu_(2)WS_(4)/MoS_(2) S-scheme heterojunction

A novel efficient Cu_(2)WS_(4)/MoS_(2) step-scheme(S-scheme)heterojunction photocatalyst was constructed for the first time and applied in the removal of environmental pollutants.Among the as-prepared photocatalysts,the Cu_(2)WS_(4)/MoS_(2)-8%heterojunc tion photoc atalyst demonstrates the optimal photocatalytic performance,with the catalytic oxidation efficiency of tetracycline(TC)and the catalytic reduction efficiency of Cr^(6+)reaching 93.3%and 82.1%,respectively.The excellent catalytic properties of Cu_(2)WS_(4)/MoS_(2) heterojunction photocatalysts are attributed to the effective separation pathways of charges and the presence of S-scheme heterojunctions,together with stronger redox capabilities.It is speculated that the photogenerated carrier migration path of the Cu_(2)WS_(4)/MoS_(2) catalyst follows the typical S-scheme photocatalytic mechanism,which is verified by the in-depth experimental study and simulated calculations including the electron paramagnetic resonance(EPR)analysis,free radical quenching experiments,charge density distribution,and simulated built-in electric field formation at the interface,which acts as driving force to promote the separation of photoinduced electrons and holes.Finally,the photocatalytic mechanism of S-scheme photogenerated carrier migration for the Cu_(2)WS_(4)/MoS_(2) catalyst is revealed based on the systematic experimental techniques and simulated calculations,accounting for its superior photocatalytic oxidation and reduction activities.This study provides inspiring implications to develop high-efficient S-scheme photocatalytic systems for versatile applications in solarenergy conversion.