Synthesis and characterization of ZnS nanomaterial for photocatalytic degradation of CONGO RED DYE

Abstract

In this study, ZnS nanostructures were successfully synthesized by hydrothermal method and its photocatalytical activity was studied. Scanning electron microscope (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and ultraviolet - visible (UV - Vis) spectrum were used for characterization of morphological, structural, and optical properties. The SEM images revealed that the ZnS has a flower-like shape with a mean diameter of 400 nm. XRD diffraction patterns confirmed  the characteristic cubic structure of ZnS. The optical band gap energy of sample determined according to the Tauc’s equation is 3.6 eV. The photocatalytic performances of the catalyst were investigated by photodegradation of Congo red dye solution under UV irradiation. At an initial Congo red concentration of 10 mg/L and catalyst dosage of 0.5 g/L, the dye degradation efficiency reached up to 90% within 150 min.