Synthesis of novel ZnIn0.2Ga1.8O4/CaIn2S4 composite material with S-scheme heterojunction for efficient photocatalytic degradation of organic pollutants and hydrogen evolution

Abstract

Semiconductor photocatalysts that can both photocatalytic evolve hydrogen from water and degrade organic pollutants are very important to solve the problem of energy shortage and environmental pollution. The S-scheme ZnIn0.2Ga1.8O4/CaIn2S4 complex was successfully synthesized using sol–gel and oil bath methods. Characterization technique indicates that chrysanthemum-shaped CaIn2S4 is anchored on the surface of irregular nanoparticles ZnIn0.2Ga1.8O4, forming a closely packed heterostructure. The bandgap values of CaIn2S4 and Zn(In0.1Ga0.9)2O4 were determined as 2.11 eV and 3.61 eV, respectively. Under visible-light irradiation, the ZnIn0.2Ga1.8O4/CaIn2S4-1(ZC-1) photocatalyst exhibited superior performance in degrading an organic pollutant (RhB) and generating hydrogen compared to ZnGa2O4, ZnIn0.2Ga1.8O4, and CaIn2S4 alone. The photocatalytic degradation of RhB using ZC-1 was 1.7, 1.31, and 1.14 times higher than that of ZnGa2O4, ZnIn0.2Ga1.8O4, and CaIn2S4, respectively. Moreover, the photocatalytic hydrogen evolution rate of ZC-1 was 5.8, 3.7, and 13 times higher than that of ZnGa2O4, ZnIn0.2Ga1.8O4, and CaIn2S4, respectively. The formation of S-type heterojunctions in the composite photocatalysts was confirmed through free radical trapping and electron paramagnetic resonance tests, further enhancing hydrogen production and organic pollutant degradation. This study presents a novel approach for developing ZnGa2O4-based composite photocatalysts with S-scheme heterojunctions to address energy shortage and environmental pollution in the future.