Hollow g-C3N4@Cu0.5In0.5S Core-Shell S-Scheme Heterojunction Photothermal Nanoreactors with Broad-Spectrum Response and Enhanced Photocatalytic Performance
Round 1
Reviewer 1 Report
In this study, the authors utilized the characteristics of the band structure of g-C3N4 and Cu0.5In0.5S to prepare a novel g-C3N4@Cu0.5In0.5S photocatalyst, which constructed S-scheme heterojunction with hollow core-shell structure. The photocatalyst exhibited significant photocatalytic degradation activity and water splitting properties. Meanwhile, the author also investigates the photothermal activity of the prepared hollow g-C3N4@Cu0.5In0.5S core-shell nanostructure. This work is interesting and innovative, and would be of interest to a broad audience. I recommend this manuscript to be acceptable for Catalysts with minor revision as follows.
1. More details for the photothermal tests are required. Time and place of the test, weather conditions, etc.
2. Some elements of Figure 2 are incomplete and need to be adjusted.
3. The author should cite related references in the section on band structural calculations. (P11L212-214)
4. The description of Figure 3 and Figure 5 in the text should be corrected. For example, it is necessary to modify Figure 6c to Figure 5c. (P14-15L252-253, P18L321)
5. Some of the data in support information are not mentioned in the main manuscript, the author should add some information about that. (For example, “Table S1”)
6. Some grammatical mistakes, wrong typos should be corrected. For example, author should change some hyphen (-) into a minus sign (−), “ZIS” should be changed to “CIS” (P19L238).
Author Response
I appreciate very much the positive comments from the three referees. Their comments are very helpful for me to improve the quality of the paper.
According to the comments of the referees, we have revised the manuscript and made a list of the changes.
Author Response File: 
Author Response.pdf
Reviewer 2 Report
The manuscript discusses the synthesis of Hollow [email protected] core-shell S-scheme heterojunction photothermal nanoreactors with a broad-spectrum response and enhanced photocatalytic performance. The authors have done an excellent job characterizing and studying the material, and the manuscript is well-written.
- The main question being addressed is how SnO2 QDs can be used as efficient catalysts in photocatalytic applications. The review discusses the fundamental principles of SnO2 QDs, their synthesis and functionalization, and the underlying mechanisms involved in their catalytic activity. It also highlights recent research on the topic and offers a forecast for the future directions of research in the field.
- The topic is both original and relevant in the field, as it discusses recent advancements in the synthesis and functionalization of SnO2 QD’s, their unique properties, and their use as catalysts for water treatment. The article discusses the pros and cons of different synthesis procedures and different combinations with different morphologies like 1D, 2D and ternary nanocomposites. It also highlights the challenges associated with their use and offers future research directions.
-The article adds to the subject area by providing a comprehensive analysis of recent research (Last 5 years) on SnO2 QD’s as photocatalysts, including their fundamental principles, optical and electronic properties, synthesis and functionalization methods, underlying mechanisms involved in their catalytic activity, and their potential applications in water treatment.
-The size and structure of QDs play a crucial role in their properties, and controlling the synthesis parameters can lead to QDs with desired properties. The choice of synthesis method can affect the size, shape, and structure of the QDs. For example, sol-gel synthesis can result in smaller particle sizes and narrower size distributions compared to hydrothermal synthesis. Additionally, the choice of precursor and reaction conditions can also influence the properties of the QDs. Once the SnO2 QDs are synthesized, they can be incorporated into nanocomposites with other materials to enhance their photocatalytic performance. The selection of synthesis of SnO2 QD’s state also play a major role i.e. powdered QD’s or colloidal QD’s.
-The conclusions are consistent with the evidence and arguments presented in the article, and they address the main question posed. The article discusses the unique properties of SnO2 QD's and their potential as highly promising photocatalytic materials for various chemical reactions. It also highlights the need for additional synthesis process optimization to control their size, shape, and surface chemistry. The article further mentions the challenges and limitations associated with the use of SnO2 QD's in photocatalysis, including their low photocatalytic efficiency when exposed to visible light and potential toxicity. Finally, the article emphasizes the importance of more research on the long-term stability and endurance of SnO2 QD-based photocatalysts in realistic environmental settings to facilitate their practical application in various fields and contribute to the development of sustainable and green technologies.
-Based on the references cited, it appears that they are highly relevant and recent. The majority of the references are from the last five years, which suggests that the author has taken care to use up-to-date sources in their research. This is especially important in a rapidly developing field such as nanomaterials and photocatalysis, where new research and discoveries are constantly emerging. The references cover a range of topics related to SnO2 quantum dots, including synthesis methods, photocatalytic performance, and toxicity studies. Overall, the references seem appropriate and support the arguments presented in the article.
However, there are a few corrections that the authors should make before it can be accepted:
1. The authors should provide XRD crystal planes in Figure 2(a).
2. The authors should check the Y-axis title in Figure 2(b).
3. There are numerous typographical errors, such as S 2p3/2; the subscript "3/2" should be added.
4. Additionally, citing recent literature related to g-C3N4 to support the introduction would be helpful.
Separation and Purification Technology, 240 (2020) 116652.
Ceramics International, 46 (2020) 16422-16430.
Catalysis Communications, 124 (2019) 123-127.
Author Response
I appreciate very much the positive comments from the three referees. Their comments are very helpful for me to improve the quality of the paper.
According to the comments of the referees, we have revised the manuscript and made a list of the changes.
Author Response File: Author Response.pdf
Reviewer 3 Report
The manuscript by Xiao et al. is very well discussed and addresses a fascinating strategy for developing new catalysts. Furthermore, the presented results are convincing and quite solid. I suggest that the authors include these recent studies:
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijhydene.2021.06.037
https://doi.org/10.3390/catal12070692
https://doi.org/10.1039/C5CC03143E
https://doi.org/10.3390/catal12070774
https://doi.org/10.1039/C9NJ02702E
https://doi.org/10.3389/fchem.2022.1048504
I believe that these studies can contribute to the work. Therefore, my recommendation is for acceptance of this work.
Author Response
I appreciate very much the positive comments from the three referees. Their comments are very helpful for me to improve the quality of the paper.
According to the comments of the referees, we have revised the manuscript and made a list of the changes.
Author Response File: Author Response.pdf
