Influence of Initial Cu/(Zn+Sn) Concentration Ratio in Cu–Zn–Sn–S Composites on Their Microstructures, Adsorption and Visible-Light-Sensitive Photocatalytic Activities

We presented facile synthesis of Cu3–x Zn x SnS4 composites (CZTSs, 0 ≤ x ≤ 3) with variety morphologies via simple one-pot hydrothermal process without hazardous chemicals, simply by varying initial precursor Cu/(Zn + Sn) concentration ratio. The influence of initial Cu/(Zn+Sn) concentration ratio on the microstructures and properties of composites was investigated. The morphological, structural, and optical properties of the samples were characterized by field-emission scanning and transmission electron microscopes, X-ray diffraction, N2 adsorption–desorption, and UV-Vis diffuse reflectance. The photocatalytic activity of the samples was studied using visible light irradiation of rhodamine B. Benefiting from the initial precursor Cu/(Zn+Sn) concentration, the as-prepared 3D hierarchical carnation-flowerlike CZTSs with high initial zinc concentration exhibit superior adsorption capability and much higher photocatalytic activity than that with low initial zinc concentration. The possible degradation mechanism of RhB was proposed.