Construction of ZnS QDs decorated gC3N4 nanosheets for enhanced catalytic degradation of Rhodamine B

The significant environmental impact of textile industries, particularly dye pollution from the textile effluents necessitates the urgent attention for its removal. Rhodamine B (RhB), known for its resistance to degradation which poses a considerable challenge. In this study, mesoporous gC₃N₄–ZnS QDs NCs were synthesized using an ultrasound-assisted co-precipitation method. Comprehensive characterizations, including scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), diffuse reflectance spectroscopy, photoluminescence spectroscopy, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, and Brunauer-Emmett-Teller analysis were conducted to evaluate the materials. SEM images revealed a layered structure in the gC₃N₄ nanosheet, with small crystals clustered together, influencing the electronic and optical properties. The surface of gC₃N₄ was decorated with ZnS QDs to enhance the catalytic degradation of RhB. TEM analysis confirmed the uniform distribution of ZnS QDs over gC₃N₄ nanosheet. XRD and XPS analysis results before and after catalysis demonstrated the structural stability of the material. The degradation efficiency was achieved to be 97.8 % at a rate constant of 0.077 min⁻¹ within 54 min. The stability and reusability of the NCs were confirmed through six consecutive cycles of catalytic degradation. The present study presents a promising strategy for the degradation of organic pollutants in aquatic ecosystems, offering insights for sustainable mitigation of textile dye pollution and paves a ways for manufacturing innovation.