All-solid-state BiVO4/ZnIn2S4 Z-scheme composite with efficient charge separations for improved visible light photocatalytic organics degradation

Constructing a Z-scheme is a significant approach to improve the separation of photogenerated carriers for effective organic pollutant degradation. Herein, a BiVO₄/ZnIn₂S₄ (BZ) Z-scheme composite was successfully synthesized, and applied to photodegrade methyl orange (MO) irradiated by a LED lamp. Anchoring the BiVO₄ on the ZnIn₂S₄ nanoparticles promoted the separation of photogenerated electronholes and broadened the light response range. The detailed characterizations, including surface morphology, elements valence state, and photocurrent performance, demonstrated that the enhanced separation of photogenerated carriers was the pivotal reason for the enhanced photocatalysis reaction. Benefiting from the excellent photocatalytic characteristics, the 5% mass ratio of BZ composite presented the highest MO degradation rate of 0.00997 min^-1, which was 1.9 and 10.3 times greater than the virgin ZnIn₂S₄ and BiVO₄, respectively. Furthermore, the BZ hybrid materials indicated a well photo-stability in the four recycling tests.