Facile one pot in situ synthesis of ZnS–ZnIn₂S₄ composite for improved photocatalytic applications

Present work utilizes solar-driven photocatalysis as an eco-friendly, green technology to degrade organic contaminants in water. In situ synthesis of ZnS–ZnIn₂S₄ composite was carried out with one pot facile hydrothermal route. The as prepared composite was characterized with X-ray diffraction (XRD), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and Diffuse Reflectance Spectroscopy (DRS). The composite was found to have an effective optical bandgap of 2.82 eV explicating its activity in the visible region of solar spectrum. Photoactivity of the composite was utilized for degradation of organic contaminants (e.g. Methylene Blue, Ciprofloxacin) in water under UV, visible light and direct sunlight irradiation. The efficiency of the catalyst and kinetics of degradation are discussed in detail. The composite also shows an improved photocurrent density of 1.14 μA/cm² and a photocatalytic degradation rate constant of 0.041 min⁻¹. This work provides an insight to the development of a novel in situ composite with enhanced photocurrent generation and improved photocatalytic activity that can be utilized for environmental remediation applications.