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

The 2D/1D structure of ZnIn₂S₄/attapulgite was constructed by anchoring ZnIn₂S₄ nanosheets on the surface of attapulgite nanorods for the removal of tetracycline hydrochloride (TC) and rhodamine B (RhB). The 2D ZnIn₂S₄ was closely combined with the 1D attapulgite, and ZnIn₂S₄/attapulgite had a higher BET surface area (83.6 m²/g) than pure ZnIn₂S₄ (13.6 m²/g). The combination of ZnIn₂S₄ 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 ZnIn₂S₄/attapulgite composites exhibited enhanced photocatalytic activity when compared with pure ZnIn₂S₄. After 9 min (50 min) of irradiation, the optimized ZnIn₂S₄/attapulgite photocatalyst removed about 99.9% RhB (82.1% TC). In addition, the ZnIn₂S₄/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.