Photocatalytic degradation and ferromagnetism in mesoporous La doped ZnS nanoparticles

Abstract

The influence of Lanthanum (La) doping on the crystalline phase, thermal, optical, photocatalytic degradation and ferromagnetic properties of mesoporous ZnS:La nanoparticles is investigated. BET surface studies confirm the presence of mesoporous in the ZnS and ZnS:La nanoparticles. Photocatalytic activity of 5 wt% La doped ZnS is evaluated by the degradation of Turquoise Blue H5G in aqueous solution under sunlight. The photomineralization and photostability are validated by TOC and ICP-OES analyses. Photoconductivity measurements confirm the production of photocharge carrier. The long range ferromagnetism in La doped ZnS nanostructures due to defects is formed by vacancies and lattice deformation. Morphology and the size of the nanoparticles are probed by field emission scanning microscope. TEM images confirm the hexagonal structure of the doped sample. The cubic structure of undoped ZnS and hexagonal structure of mesoporous La doped sample is confirmed by Raman modes. The thermal analysis of La doped nanoparticles is analyzed by using thermo gravimetric and differential scanning calorimetry method.