Construction of Z-Scheme MoS2/ZnFe2O4 heterojunction photocatalyst with enhanced photocatalytic activity under visible light

Construction of direct Z-scheme heterostructure photocatalysts with improved photogenerated charge carriers has gained considerable attention during the past few years. In this work, a direct Z-scheme MoS2/ZnFe2O4 heterostructure photocatalyst was synthesized via a facile hydrothermal method. The photocatalytic activity of this photocatalyst was evaluated through degradation of methylene blue (MB) dye under visible light irradiation. The MZF-25 catalyst showed high catalytic activity with a degradation efficiency of 92.3%, higher than that of pristine MoS2 and ZnFe2O4. Further, the reusability of the MoS2/ZnFe2O4 heterostructure was analysed and there was no significant loss in the photocatalytic activity even after four cycles. Finally, the Z-scheme mechanism of the MoS2/ZnFe2O4 photocatalyst was determined for the degradation of MB. This work provides a promiosing strategy for designing MoS2/ZnFe2O4-based Z-scheme heterostructures for removal of organic pollutants.

Automated summary

In this study, a direct Z-scheme MoS2/ZnFe2O4 heterostructure photocatalyst was synthesized via a hydrothermal method. The photocatalytic activity of this catalyst was evaluated and showed high efficiency in degrading methylene blue dye. The study also analyzed the reusability of the catalyst and determined the Z-scheme mechanism for the degradation process. This work provides a promising strategy for designing MoS2/ZnFe2O4-based heterostructures for removing organic pollutants.