Enhanced photocatalytic properties of ZnFe2O4-doped ZnIn2S4 heterostructure under visible light irradiation

ZnFe2O4-doped ZnIn2S4 heterostructures were fabricated with a series of different proportions of ZnFe2O4 using a two-step solvothermal method. The as-synthesized ZnFe2O4-ZnIn2S4 heterostructure exhibited enhanced photocatalytic performance in the degradation of organic pollutants compared to bare ZnIn2S4 and ZnFe2O4 under visible light irradiation, and the 2.5 wt% ZnFe2O4-ZnIn2S4 showed the highest activity. The enhanced mechanism of photocatalytic activity can be mainly attributed to the stable heterojunction interface between ZnFe2O4 and ZnIn2S4, which can efficiently improve the separation of photogenerated carriers. Meanwhile, the increased surface-active sites and extended light absorption of ZnIn2S4 after the decoration of ZnFe2O4 nanoparticles may also play a certain role in enhancing photocatalytic activity.