Ultra-small zinc oxide nanosheets anchored onto sodium bismuth sulfide nanoribbons as solar-driven photocatalysts for removal of toxic pollutants and phtotoelectrocatalytic water oxidation

Heterostructured nanohybrids were prepared from sodium bismuth sulfide (NaBiS2) and zinc oxide (ZnO) through hydrothermal process. The nanocomposite was used for tetracycline (TC) degradation as well as photoelectrochemical (PEC) water oxidation. Morphology and structural analyses were performed to confirm the dispersion of ultra-small ZnO nanosheets into the NaBiS2 nanoribbons. By tuning the band gap, it was possible to degrade tetracycline toxic pollutant within 90 min under the simulated solar light irradiation, while PEC suggested a lower charge-transfer resistance, high photocurrent response, and exceptionally good stability. The highest photocurrent density of 0.751 mAcm−2 vs. Ag/AgCl in 0.1 M Na2SO3 solution was observed under solar-light illumination. Detailed photocatalytic mechanisms for the degradation of TC and PEC water oxidation are discussed. [Display omitted] •Hydrothermally formed zinc oxide nanosheet-anchored sodium bismuth sulfide nanoribbons.•Tetracycline pollutant was degraded by 98% within 90 min under solar light irradiation.•The OH and O2− species were recognized as photocatalytically active species•Improved photocurrent density was achieved by the NSZO nanocomposite.•Charge-transfer resistance of the NSZO nanocomposite was effectively reduced.