Construction of Z-Scheme MoS2/ZnFe2O4 heterojunction photocatalyst with enhanced photocatalytic activity under visible light

Abstract

Construction of direct Z-scheme heterostructure photocatalysts with improved photogenerated charge carriers has gained considerable attention during the past few years. In this work, a direct Z-scheme MoS2/ZnFe2O4 heterostructure photocatalyst was synthesized via a facile hydrothermal method. The photocatalytic activity of this photocatalyst was evaluated through degradation of methylene blue (MB) dye under visible light irradiation. The MZF-25 catalyst showed high catalytic activity with a degradation efficiency of 92.3%, higher than that of pristine MoS2 and ZnFe2O4. Further, the reusability of the MoS2/ZnFe2O4 heterostructure was analysed and there was no significant loss in the photocatalytic activity even after four cycles. Finally, the Z-scheme mechanism of the MoS2/ZnFe2O4 photocatalyst was determined for the degradation of MB. This work provides a promiosing strategy for designing MoS2/ZnFe2O4-based Z-scheme heterostructures for removal of organic pollutants.