Insights into Novel Doping Effect of Fe-Doped ZnS Nanostructures Derived from Oxystelma Esculentum: Kinetics-Based Photocatalysis, Nitrogen Fixation, and Antifungal Efficacy

Abstract

Implementing greener approaches is a sustainable and eco-friendly methodology for nanocomposite synthesis. This work reports the sustainable fabrication of Fe-doped ZnS (Fe0.3Zn0.7S) nanocomposite and its broad-spectrum applications. The systematic characterization was carried out using several advanced analytical techniques. DLS, Zeta potential, SEM, XPS, and TEM performed morphological and size assessments of the engineered nanocomposite. Eventually, XRD provided valuable insights into the crystalline behavior of nanocomposite. The nanocomposites were then treated against the organic dye Safranin O, which displayed 93% degradation within an hour with the rate constant value of 0.0326 min−1. Parameters influencing the percentage degradation, such as temperature, pH, etc., were also discussed. Moreover, an LCMS test was also conducted to evaluate the presence of reactive intermediates. Safranin O’s degradation was confirmed by identifying intermediate products, such as compounds with m/z values of 335.84, 321.81, 306.79, 292.77, and 257.32, which were indicative of progressive dye breakdown. Finally, the photocatalytic enactment examination verified that the prepared nanocomposite’s nitrogen fixation rate (38.96 µmolg−1) was way greater (~4 times) than the pristine compound. In addition, prepared nanoparticles demonstrated a befitting ability to eliminate a wide range of threatening pathogenic fungi. The doping of Fe into ZnS further enhanced the inhibition against Fusarium oxysporum.