Rose spherical structure Ag2S/ZnIn2S4/ZnS composites with visible light response: Enhanced photodegradation and hydrogen production performance.

Ag 2 S/ZnIn 2 S 4 /ZnS composites were synthesized by a microwave-assisted hydrothermal two-step method. The samples were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), UV–visible diffuse reflectance absorption spectroscopy (UV–vis/DRS), photoluminescence (PL), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HR-TEM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and nitrogen adsorption–desorption tests. The results show that the semiconductor ZnS and ZnIn 2 S 4 in the Ag 2 S/ZnIn 2 S 4 /ZnS composite are cubic phases, and the composite exhibits a rose-spherical structure. In the composite, after ZnS is combined with the narrow band gap semiconductor Ag 2 S and ZnIn 2 S 4 , whose light absorption edge is red-shifted, and the absorption in the visible region is obvious. At the same time, compared to the monomer ZnS and the monomer ZnIn 2 S 4 , the specific surface area (S BET) of the composite is significantly increased. In order to investigate photocatalytic properties, methyl orange was used as the model molecule. Meanwhile, multi-mode photocatalytic properties of Ag 2 S/ZnIn 2 S 4 /ZnS composites were studied, and its optimal composition ratio was determined. At the same time, the excellent photocatalytic hydrogen production capacity and cycle stability of the composites with 1% Ag 2 S loading were analyzed. According to the capture experiment results, the possible photocatalytic mechanism of Ag 2 S/ZnIn 2 S 4 /ZnS composites was speculated. Ag 2 S/ZnIn 2 S 4 /ZnS composites exhibited a rose-spherical structure were synthesized by a microwave-assisted hydrothermal two-step method. With the introduction of ZnIn 2 S 4 and Ag 2 S, the composites with ZnS as the main catalyst show a good light absorption in the visible region and the highest photocatalytic degradation and photohydrogen production capacity. Image 1 • Ag 2 S/ZnIn 2 S 4 /ZnS composites were synthesized by a microwave-assisted hydrothermal two-step method. • Ag 2 S/ZnIn 2 S 4 /ZnS composites exhibit a rose-spherical structure. • The light absorption of Ag 2 S/ZnIn 2 S 4 /ZnS in the visible region is obvious. • 1% Ag 2 S/ZnIn 2 S 4 /ZnS shows the highest photocatalytic degradation and photohydrogen production capacity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]