Polypyrrole/ZnIn2S4 composite photocatalyst for enhanced mineralization of chloramphenicol under visible light

Functional PPy-ZnIn2S4 composite was prepared via facile hydrothermal method in the presence of PPy powder. The X-ray diffraction (XRD) pattern showed single hexagonal phase in pure ZnIn2S4 and mixed phases of hexagonal and cubic in PPy-ZnIn2S4 composite. The coexistence of hexagonal and cubic phase in PPy-ZnIn2S4 composite can be advantageous to charge separation. The absorbance within visible light range was enhanced by PPy-ZnIn2S4 composite compared with pure ZnIn2S4. The time required for complete removal of chloramphenicol by PPy-ZnIn2S4 composite (60 min) was shorter than pure ZnIn2S4 (120 min), indicating better deep degradation. 48.5% TOC was achieved by PPy-ZnIn2S4 after 3 h photocatalytic degradation, which was two times higher than ZnIn2S4 (23.5%). (C) 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.