ZnS Nanoparticles as Efficient Photocatalysts for Dye Decomposition

Abstract

Recently zinc sulphides (ZnS) have been widely used in research due to their distinct catalytic properties. These investigations have demonstrated that the quick electron–hole pair production caused by photo-excitation makes ZnS nanocrystals effective photocatalysts. When ZnS is prepared using a surfactant, a change of phase is observed from ZnS-cubic to wurtzite. Ethylene diamine is used as a surfactant for the preparation of ZnS in a hydrothermal method. The prepared sample was evaluated for photophysical characteristics by X-ray diffraction method, XPS, and UV/Vis spectra. Under UV light, the photocatalytic activity of ZnS with and without surfactant is accessed for photocatalytic decomposition of different dyes. When comparing the photocatalytic activity of ZnS with and without surfactant, ZnS with surfactant exhibits greater catalytic activity.