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ZnS/SnS/Ag2S photocatalyst with enhanced photocatalytic activity under visible light illumination towards wastewater treatment

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Abstract

In this study, various compositions of ternary ZnS/SnS/Ag2S nanocatalysts were prepared for the first time through a wet chemical method. The as-prepared samples were characterized by UV–DRS, PL and SEM analysis. The photocatalytic activities of the ZnS/SnS/Ag2S nanocatalysts were optimized for the photodecomposition of an aqueous solution of congo red (CR) dye under sunlight. The results review that the prepared ZnS/SnS/Ag2S nanocatalysts have significantly enhanced photocatalytic activity upon exposure to visible light when compared to that of ZnS and ZnS/SnS catalysts. Moreover, the ZnS/SnS/Ag2S nanocatalysts can be easily recovered and reused for photocatalytic applications under direct natural sunlight. The ZnS/SnS/Ag2S nanocatalysts degrade CR dye with high efficiency, which will greatly promote their application in the area of environmental remediation.

Graphical Abstract

Schematic illustration for the photodegradation of CR dye (model pollutant) using ZnS/SnS/Ag2S catalyst.

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Acknowledgments

The authors like to thank DST/Nanomission, New Delhi, India for the financial support to carry out this work and the establishment of the Nanotech Research Lab through grant no. SR/NM/NS-05/2011(G).

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Nanotech Research Lab, Department of Chemistry, University College of Engineering Villupuram (A Constituent College of Anna University, Chennai), Kakuppam, Villupuram, Tamil Nadu, 605 103, India

    Kalyanaraman Kalpana & Vaithilingam Selvaraj

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  1. Kalyanaraman Kalpana
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  2. Vaithilingam Selvaraj
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Correspondence to Vaithilingam Selvaraj.

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Kalpana, K., Selvaraj, V. ZnS/SnS/Ag2S photocatalyst with enhanced photocatalytic activity under visible light illumination towards wastewater treatment. Res Chem Intermed 43, 423–435 (2017). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11164-016-2632-6

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11164-016-2632-6

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