Facile preparation and characterization of nanostructured ZnS/PbS heterojunction thin films for enhanced microbial inhibition and photocatalytic degradation

Abstract

In the present study, we report for the first time the elaboration of n-ZnS/p-PbS heterojunction thin film by spin-coating method and its antimicrobial and photocatalytic activities. The resulting films were characterized using XRD, XPS, FESEM, and EDS. The FESEM results revealed uniform nanostructures films with small spherical shapes and slight variation in diameter. XRD and XPS analysis confirmed the growth of crystalline ZnS and PbS thin films. Photocatalytic degradation of organic dyes was investigated with the elaborated nanocomposite ZnS/PbS under sunlight. The degradation rates of 91.2, 87.1 68.6, and 34.4% were achieved for methylene blue, malachite green, red congo, and methyl orange, respectively. The utilization of heterojunction thin layers assembly enhances the photocatalytic degradation process. The antibacterial and antifungal activities of the coated ZnS/PbS films exhibited considerable behaviour against Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, and Candida albicans.The present work has not only offered a simple method for the degradation of organic pollutants, but it presents an answer to reduce the rate of microbial contamination.