Charge transfer pathways in an indium-MOF-derived In₂O₃-InVO₄-YFeO₃ dual Z-scheme for diclofenac degradation

Abstract Dual Z-scheme multijunction photocatalysts hold remarkable potential for the elimination of antibiotic pollutants under visible-light illumination; however, precise regulation of charge-transfer pathways and comprehensive characterization of effective dual Z-scheme systems remain critical challenges. Herein, we report the direct design of a novel indium-MOF-derived In 2 O 3 /InVO 4 –YFeO 3 (InYFe) dual Z-scheme multijunction using a simple wet-chemical strategy to address these limitations. The physicochemical properties of the ternary InYFe heterostructure were systematically investigated using advanced characterization techniques. Notably, the InYFe-4 catalyst exhibited outstanding photocatalytic degradation efficiency toward diclofenac (DCF), attaining 99.5% degradation in 60 min, significantly outperforming the single and binary components. The improved photocatalytic activity is primarily ascribed to the generation of an internal electric field at the heterointerface, the prolonged lifetime of photogenerated charge carriers, and the preservation of sustainable active sites via multichannel Z-scheme charge transfer. Furthermore, radical quenching experiments and electron paramagnetic resonance analyses reveal that h + , O 2 •− , and • OH act synergistically during the photocatalytic elimination of DCF. Integrating theoretical simulations with experimental findings, the degradation pathway of DCF under photocatalytic conditions were comprehensively elucidated. This study contributes to the rational development of MOF-derived Z-scheme multijunction photocatalysts for addressing emerging organic contaminants.