2D/1D ZnIn2S4/attapulgite hybrid materials for enhanced photocatalytic performance under visible light

The 2D/1D structure of ZnIn 2 S 4 /attapulgite was constructed by anchoring ZnIn 2 S 4 nanosheets on the surface of attapulgite nanorods for the removal of tetracycline hydrochloride (TC) and rhodamine B (RhB). The 2D ZnIn 2 S 4 was closely combined with the 1D attapulgite, and ZnIn 2 S 4 /attapulgite had a higher BET surface area (83.6 m 2 /g) than pure ZnIn 2 S 4 (13.6 m 2 /g). The combination of ZnIn 2 S 4 and attapulgite promoted pollutant adsorption by providing more exposed active sites and a larger contact area, which also contributed to enhanced photocatalytic performance. Under visible light irradiation, the as-prepared ZnIn 2 S 4 /attapulgite composites exhibited enhanced photocatalytic activity when compared with pure ZnIn 2 S 4 . After 9 min (50 min) of irradiation, the optimized ZnIn 2 S 4 /attapulgite photocatalyst removed about 99.9% RhB (82.1% TC). In addition, the ZnIn 2 S 4 /attapulgite photocatalyst demonstrated excellent photostability and availability. Compared with other photocatalysts, the samples in this work used natural minerals as the carrier, which significantly improved the dispersibility and adsorption performance of the catalyst, and was conducive to the improvement of catalytic performance. This work contributed to the development of photocatalysis for the removal of environmental liquid-phase pollutants.