Urchin-like SnIn4S8 photocatalyst synthesized via microwave assisted method with durable photocatalytic performance under visible light

•Urchin-like SnIn4S8 were successfully prepared by a rapid and facile microwave assisted synthesis method.•The surface morphology, the composition and structure together with the optical performance of SIS were investigated.•SIS-20 exhibited higher photocatalytic efficiency.•Photocatalytic activities of SIS-20 can be mainly related to larger specific surface area and narrow band gap energy.