Constructing flower-like MoS2/ZnIn2S4 microspheres for efficient visible light-driven photocatalytic removal of hexavalent chromium.

Photocatalytic removal of hexavalent chromium (Cr(VI)) based on semiconductor is important under visible light for environment and energy. Herein, a visible light-responsive heterojunction composed of molybdenum disulfide and zinc indium sulfide was synthesized through a simple one-pot hydrothermal method to ensure full contact between the two components to efficiently improve the Cr(VI) reduction. The MoS₂/ZnIn₂S₄ composites build heterojunctions between MoS₂ and ZnIn₂S₄ to inhibit recombination of photogenerated holes and electrons and provide the reaction sites to trap photogenerated electrons to participate in the reduction of Cr(VI). The highly efficient reduction of Cr(VI) was obtained by adjusting the proportion of molybdenum disulfide. It demonstrates that the 0.5 wt% MoS₂/ZnIn₂S₄ composite microstructures show the highest degradation rate of 0.1989 s⁻¹ under visible light irradiation, 1.7 times of bare ZnIn₂S₄. Moreover, the MoS₂/ZnIn₂S₄ showed excellent stability during photocatalytic recyclable processes. This work encourages researchers to remove Cr(VI) by constructing effective heterojunction structures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]