Plasma-Assisted Synthesis of Bicrystalline ZnS Nanobelts with Enhanced Photocatalytic Ability

Abstract

ZnS nanobelts have been synthesized by a reaction of Zn and S powders using the simple arc discharge method. The products were characterized using X-ray diffraction, Raman spectroscopy, scanning and transmission electron microscopy, as well as energy-dispersive X-ray spectrometer. The results reveal that the ZnS nanobelts exhibit bicrystalline nanostructure. The roles of ion bombardment and plasma species in the growth of bicrystalline ZnS nanobelts are discussed. The ZnS nanobelts exhibit strong emission peaked at 516 nm under a 373 nm UV light excitation and excellent photocatalytic ability for degradation of methylene blue. This work represents a new strategy to synthesize bicrystalline nanostructures for design of optoelectronic nanodevices and photocatalysts.