A readily synthesized ZnIn2S4/attapulgite as a high-performance photocatalyst for Cr(VI) reduction

Herein, a ZnIn2S4-decorated attapulgite photocatalyst (ZnIn2S4/ATP) was successfully synthesized by a facile oil bath heating method. It shows superior reduction efficiency for the removal of Cr(Ⅵ). The improved photocatalytic performance is primarily attributed to the intercalation effect of ZnIn2S4 and attapulgite (ATP), enhanced separation efficiency of photogenerated electron-hole pairs, and improved transport efficiency of photogenerated carriers. Moreover, insight into the photocatalytic mechanism demonstrates that •O2− and e− are the major active species in the photocatalytic reduction of Cr(VI) over ZnIn2S4/ATP. This work serves as a reference for integrating natural clay with semiconductors for photocatalytic wastewater treatment.