LAUSR

The heterostructures of In2O3 nanoparticle loaded on anatase TiO2 nanocube with exposed (001) facet (In2O3/TiO2-nanocube) were fabricated via a two-step hydrothermal process. The crystal phase, morphology, microstructure and photo-absorption property of the products were characterized by FESEM, TEM, XRD, and UV-Vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy. The results showed that the percentage of exposed (001) facet of TiO2 nanocube was about 33%. In2O3 nanoparticles were successfully decorated on the surface of TiO2 nanocube to form the In2O3/TiO2 heterojunction. Photocurrent measurements confirmed that (001) faceted surface was advantageous for the charge carrier migration and separation in the composites. In comparison with bare TiO2 nanocube and In2O3/TiO2-nanoparticle, the In2O3/TiO2-nanocube heterostructures exhibited enhanced activity toward the degradation of rhodamine B and tetracycline under visible light irradiation, which was attributed to the synergic effect of In2O3/TiO2 heterojunction and the exposure of (001) facet.