Recent advances in AgIn5S8-based photocatalysts: synthesis and photocatalytic degradation performance improvements

AgIn₅S₈, a narrow, direct bandgap semiconductor, has gained much attention in photocatalysis due to its excellent visible-light absorption coefficient, good photoconductivity, light stability and biocompatibility. Thus, it is a promising active material for photocatalytic degradation of organic pollutants. In this review, synthesis methods of different AgIn₅S₈-based photocatalysts are introduced in detail first, such as solid-state reaction methods, hydrothermal/solvothermal methods, and microwave synthesis methods. Subsequently, photocatalytic degradation improvement strategies of AgIn₅S₈-based photocatalysts are systematically summarized, mainly including morphology control, defect engineering, doping, surface plasmon resonance effects and constructing heterojunctions. The perspective and the future challenge are provided at the end. This review can accelerate the development of AgIn₅S₈-based photocatalysts in related applications.