Date Sheet1-An all-in-one SERS detection and photocatalytic degradation platform based on bamboo-like In2O3@C3N4 for sustainable water purification -Chemical Engineering Journal

The development of integrated platforms for simultaneous monitoring and degradation of organic pollutants is highly desirable for sustainable water purification but remains a significant challenge. Herein, a bamboo-like In2O3@C3N4 heterostructure with perforated walls was constructed in situ on an etched aluminum sheet (EA) to create a monolithic, recyclable substrate (labeled as B-In2O3@CN-EA). This integrated platform demonstrates exceptional dual functionality: serving as a highly sensitive surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) platform (detection limit: 1×10-10 M, AEF: 3.57×104) and an outstanding photocatalyst (96.15 % degradation of crystal violet (CV) within 60 min). Mechanistic studies attribute this enhancement to the unique interfacial architecture. The intimate contact between C3N4 and in-situ-formed In2O3, validated by X-ray photoelectron spectra and finite-difference time-domain (FDTD) simulations, facilitates efficient electron-hole separation and generates a strong built-in electric field (IEF). This IEF, synergizing with the pollutant-enriching capability of the porous bamboo-like morphology, not only amplifies the charge transfer process for ultrasensitive SERS but also promotes the generation of reactive oxygen species (·O2⁻ and ·OH) for efficient photocatalysis. The substrate also exhibits excellent stability and reusability, underpinning its potential from a surface science perspective. This work provides a novel and sustainable engineering strategy for water remediation, highlighting the critical role of rational interfacial and morphological design in advancing multifunctional environmental technologies.