Significantly enhanced photocatalytic in-situ H2O2 production and consumption activities for efficient sterilization by ZnIn2S4/g-C3N4 heterojunction

Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) is an important green oxidant for environmental remediation. It is a sustainable strategy to realize solar-driven in-situ H2O2 production for timely using via cascade reactions to sterilization or remove organic pollutants etc. However, how to improve the H2O2 production and consumption abilities of catalysts are the two main challenges. Here we report a superior carbon-related ZnIn2S4/g-C3N4 catalyst with excellent H2O2 generation and consumption capabilities for efficient sterilization under visible light irradiation. The 2D/2D heterojunction of ZnIn2S4/g-C3N4 with rapid carrier separation and transfer efficiency exhibits a remarkable H2O2 yield of 4.27 mmol g−1, which is much higher than that of current catalysts. The in-situ produced H2O2 can be quickly activated to strong oxidizing hydroxyl radicals for sterilization, in which the Escherichia coli (E. coli) are fully cleared only within 25 min and 98% of Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) are killed out after 60 min irradiation. The prepared photocatalysts realize the rapid production and consumption of H2O2, and this work provides an effect green strategy for sterilization via the in-situ generated H2O2. [Display omitted] •Solar-driven H2O2 synthesis onsite and consumption to sterilize.•2D/2D hierarchical ZnIn2S4/g-C3N4 heterojunction photocatalyst.•The rapid activation of in-situ produced H2O2 by ZnIn2S4-related catalyst.•The optimized ZnIn2S4/g-C3N4 exhibits a remarkable H2O2 yield of 4.27 mmol g−1.•E. coli and S. aureus are quickly eliminated.