Cu2ZnSnS4(CZTS) based photocatalysts for dye degradation

Cu2ZnSnS4 (CZTS) is a well-known copper-based quaternary chalcogenides semiconductor material extensively used to convert solar energy and applicable in photo-voltaic, photosynthesis, photo-stimulation, and photo-catalytic fields. It is not only due to its earth-abundant constituent having lower band gap energy, high absorption coefficient, non-toxicity, and environmental friendliness. It is also possible to tune its morphology indubitably. The two most prominent phases of CZTS are kesterite and stannite, utilized extensively for various solar conversion applications, including light-assisted dye degradation. Synthetic dyes are important pollutants of river water, and their concentration in drinking water has significantly increased due to industrialization and rapid economic growth. In the literature, various semiconductors like CZTS are used for the removal of dyes from contaminated water. This review summarizes updates related to CZTS based light-activated dye degradation in water purification applications. The photocatalytic efficiencies of these materials to various hazardous organic dyes and industrial pollutants in the water with plausible mechanisms are explained in detail.