Microwave-assisted hydrothermal synthesis of marigold-like ZnIn2S4 microspheres and their visible light photocatalytic activity

► ZnIn2S4 microspheres were synthesized by microwave-assisted hydrothermal method. ► The crystal structure and optical property of the products were almost the same. ► Increment of the temperature renders high surface area due to the bubbling effect. ► The ZnIn2S4 synthesized at 195 °C shows the best visible catalytic activity for MO.