Enhanced photocatalytic efficiency in degrading organic dyes by coupling CdS nanowires with ZnFe2O4 nanoparticles

•One-dimensional ZnFe2O4-decorated CdS 0D/1D composites were synthesized.•Photoactivity of CdS/ZnFe2O4 was respectively enhanced by 2.3 and 6.6 times compared with CdS and ZnFe2O4.•Coupling of CdS with ZnFe2O4 boosts light harvesting and migration of charge carriers.•Improved photocatalytic activity and stability were ascribed to the existing built-in electric field.