High-performance In₂O₃@PANI core@shell architectures with ultralong charge carriers lifetime for photocatalytic degradation of gaseous 1,2-dichlorobenzene

In₂O₃-based nanocomposites with ultralong lifetime charge carriers were successfully prepared by deposition of a thin polyaniline (PANI) shell on the In₂O₃ monodispersed nanospheres and used as a visible-light responsive catalyst for the decomposition of gaseous 1,2-dichlorobenzene. The effect of PANI shell modification on the micro-structures, optical properties, as well as transfer dynamic behaviors and lifetime of charge carriers were investigated, respectively. Meanwhile, the catalytic oxidation process and the corresponding intermediates of 1,2-dichlorobenzene were investigated by in situ FTIR spectroscopy. More importantly, the optical absorption and the time-resolved photoluminescence investigation jointly corroborated that the enhancement of photocatalytic performance by modification of PANI shell was highly correlated with the substantially prolonged lifetime of charge carriers and simultaneously narrowing bandgap. Thus, it resulted in improved charge separation efficiency and visible-light absorption capability, respectively. This study provides an interesting insight and meaningful guideline for designing long-lifetime In₂O₃-based heterojunctions via conductive polymer coating.