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.