Recent advances in ZnIn2S4-based materials towards photocatalytic purification, solar fuel production and organic transformations

Abstract

The current energy crisis and environmental remediation could be mitigated using photocatalytic technology, with abundant and inexhaustible solar energy used to convert chemical fuels as well as degrade detrimental pollutants to non-toxic small molecules under mild conditions. Among emerging photocatalysts, zinc indium sulfide (ZnIn₂S₄) is a fascinating candidate widely used for various photocatalytic applications due to its nontoxicity, suitable bandgap structure, strong visible light absorption, easily controlled morphology, prominent catalytic activity and durability. This review focuses on the recent advances and future perspectives of ZnIn₂S₄-based photocatalysts and summarizes the various modification strategies used to enhance the photocatalytic activity of ZnIn₂S₄. In this context, we firstly briefly introduce the crystal structures, electronic and optical properties, and synthetic strategies of ZnIn₂S₄. Then, the recent advances on the different modifications of ZnIn₂S₄ are discussed, such as nanostructured engineering (e.g. controlling morphology nanostructures with multiple dimensions, loading of suitable cocatalysts, building of different heterojunctions and combination with carbon-based materials) and compositional engineering (e.g. introducing defects and elemental doping). Finally, the future perspective of the development of ZnIn₂S₄-based photocatalysts are identified. This review presents the current achievements of ZnIn₂S₄ photocatalysts and is expected to promote the development of ZnIn₂S₄-based photocatalysts for the use in efficient solar energy conversion.