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Photocatalytic behavior of cauliflower-like mesoporous ZnS:M (M=Ni, Mn) nanostructures under LED illumination; newly developed synthesis method

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Abstract

An ultrasound-assisted approach has been used for the synthesis of ZnS:M (M=Ni, Mn) nanostructures with cyclohexane as a non-solvent medium. XRD patterns proved that the obtained ZnS sample has cubic sphalerite phase, while both sulfide phase of nickel present in the samples also have a similar cubic lattice with close lattice parameter and the same space group. Hence, nickel would be able to act both as dopant and upon further increase, grow on each other as distinct phases. Using the non-solvent regime, it is possible to obtain homogenous interfaces which in turn would facilitate charge transfer and enhance the photocatalytic activity. Optical properties of the samples under study are discussed and they have been put to test as visible light photocatalysts for pollutant removal from aqueous media, ZnS:Ni (0.1) proved to be an active and robust catalyst for the photodegradation of malachite green under LED illumination.

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Acknowledgments

This research project has been conducted under kind supports of the School of Advanced Technologies of Iran University of Science and Technology (IUST). The authors wish to thank the Iran Nanotechnology Innovation Council as well.

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  1. Nanotechnology Department, School of Advanced Technologies, Iran University of Science and Technology, Narmak, Tehran, 16846, Iran

    Shojaat Nazarpour, Alireza Rahmani & Hosein Banna Motejadded Emrooz

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Nazarpour, S., Rahmani, A. & Emrooz, H.B.M. Photocatalytic behavior of cauliflower-like mesoporous ZnS:M (M=Ni, Mn) nanostructures under LED illumination; newly developed synthesis method. Journal of Materials Research 38, 2727–2737 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1557/s43578-023-00997-9

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