Enhanced activity of ZnS (111) by N/Cu co-doping: Accelerated degradation of organic pollutants under visible light

•N/Cu-ZnS nanosphere was synthesized by hydrothermal method for the first time.•More ZnS (111) were exposed by N/Cu co-doping.•The degradation rate constants of 2,4-DCP and TC by N / Cu ZnS were 83.7 and 51 times higher than that of ZnS.•O2 adsorption on ZnS (111) was enhanced by N/Cu co-doping so that the production of •O2− was promoted.•Possible way for the photocatalytic degradation of 2,4-DCP and TC by N/Cu-ZnS was proposed.