Novel Z-Scheme ZnIn2S4-based photocatalysts for solar-driven environmental and energy applications: Progress and perspectives

Abstract Benefiting from strong redox ability, improved charge transport, and enhanced charge separation, Z-scheme heterostructures of ZnIn2S4 based photocatalysts have received considerable interest to tackle energy needs and environmental issues. The present review highlights the properties of ZnIn2S4, which make it a promising photocatalyst, and a suitable combination with oxidation photocatalyst to form Z-scheme, leading to improve their photocatalytic properties dramatically. As the central part of this review, various types of Z-scheme heterojunction developed recently based on ZnIn2S4 and their application in pollutant degradation, water splitting, CO2 reduction, and toxic metals remediation. Some analytical techniques to detect or trap the active radical and study the charge separation and lifetime of charge carriers in these Z-schemes are highlighted. This review offers its readers a broad optical window for the structural architecture of ZnIn2S4-based Z-schemes, photocatalytic activity, stability, and their technological applications. Finally, we discuss the challenges and opportunities for further development on Z-Scheme ZnIn2S4-based photocatalysts toward energy and environmental applications based on the recent progress.