Polypyrrole/ZnIn2S4 composite photocatalyst for enhanced mineralization of chloramphenicol under visible light

Functional PPy-ZnIn 2 S 4 composite was prepared via facile hydrothermal method in the presence of PPy powder. The X-ray diffraction (XRD) pattern showed single hexagonal phase in pure ZnIn 2 S 4 and mixed phases of hexagonal and cubic in PPy-ZnIn 2 S 4 composite. The coexistence of hexagonal and cubic phase in PPy-ZnIn 2 S 4 composite can be advantageous to charge separation. The absorbance within visible light range was enhanced by PPy-ZnIn 2 S 4 composite compared with pure ZnIn 2 S 4 . The time required for complete removal of chloramphenicol by PPy-ZnIn 2 S 4 composite (60   min) was shorter than pure ZnIn 2 S 4 (120   min), indicating better deep degradation. 48.5% TOC was achieved by PPy-ZnIn 2 S 4 after 3   h photocatalytic degradation, which was two times higher than ZnIn 2 S 4 (23.5%).