Facile synthesis of SnS2/ZnIn2S4 composite with enhanced visible light photocatalytic activity

Abstract

To achieve highly efficient photocatalytic degradation of antibiotics remains a challenging task. ZnIn₂S₄ and ZnIn₂S₄-based materials have been proved to be low-cost and efficient photocatalysts for removal of antibiotics from wastewater. In this study, SnS₂ fish scales anchored on ZIS microflower sphere (SnS₂/ZIS) was fabricated by a facile one-pot hydrothermal route, and further applied to degradation of antibiotics under visible light irradiation. The experimental results demonstrate that the optimal SnS₂ (7 wt%)/ZIS composite exhibited an enhanced TC degradation efficiency (87.3 % within 30 min) as compared to pure SnS₂ (37.4 % within 30 min) and ZIS (75.7 % within 30 min). In addition, SnS₂ (7 wt%)/ZIS exhibited good versatility, reproducibility and stability, confirming their potential value in practical applications. This research provides a typical example of facile design and construction of highly efficient ZnIn₂S₄-based photocatalysts for the removal of antibiotics from wastewater.