Multifunctional hierarchical ZnIn2S4 ± δ microflowers with photocatalytic and pseudocapacitive behavior

ZnIn2S4 is an important mixed metal sulfide semiconductor with multifunctional properties, endowed upon by its hierarchical structure, large surface area and porosity. In this work, hierarchical ZnIn2S4.1 (ZnInS) microflowers made up of petal like nanostructures are synthesized using a simple and facile hydrothermal method. Nitrogen adsorption-desorption analysis of these microflowers showed porous structures with pores similar to 3 nm. This material shows a photocurrent density of 3.1 mu A cm(-2) and activity towards methylene blue (MB) dye degradation under direct sunlight. The sample also shows pseudocapacitive behavior with specific capacitance value of 131 F g(-1) at a scan rate of 10 mV s(-1). The pseudocapacitive behavior of polycrystalline ZnInS has been explored for the first time to the best of our knowledge. This study demonstrates that the single phase ZnInS is a multifunctional material for photocatalysis and electrochemical charge storage applications.