Synthesis and characterization of ZnS-Ag nanoballs and its application in photocatalytic dye degradation under visible light

P Sivakumar,G K Gaurav Kumar,S Renganathan

doi:10.1007/s40097-014-0107-0

P Sivakumar, G K Gaurav Kumar + Show 1 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.1007/s40097-014-0107-0

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Abstract

ZnS-Ag nanoballs were synthesized using chemical precipitation method at room temperature aided with the capping agent cetyl trimethyl ammonium bromide. The synthesized nanoballs were characterized by UV–Visible spectrophotometer, diffuse reflectance spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, high resolution scanning electron microscopy, and energy dispersive X-ray. Photocatalytic activity of ZnS and ZnS-Ag nanoballs was evaluated by irradiating the solution of organic dye methylene blue (MB) in presence of visible light. The different parameters affecting degradation, such as dye concentration, catalyst loading and pH, were studied. Reusability of catalyst was evaluated up to three cycles. Kinetics study was done for the degradation of MB by ZnS and ZnS-Ag nanoballs. It was found that ZnS-Ag nanoballs show higher degradation efficiency than ZnS.

Highlights

Increase in population and expansion of human settlement lead to development of process industries that use large number of organic compounds and dyes
ZnS-Ag nanoballs were synthesized using chemical precipitation method at room temperature aided with the capping agent cetyl trimethyl ammonium bromide
The synthesized nanoballs were characterized by UV–Visible spectrophotometer, diffuse reflectance spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, high resolution scanning electron microscopy, and energy dispersive X-ray

Summary

Introduction

Increase in population and expansion of human settlement lead to development of process industries that use large number of organic compounds and dyes Effluent containing these substances increases the toxicity in aquatic system. When a noble metal is doped with photocatalyst and irradiated with visible light, the atom utilizes the photon energy (ht) and reduces band gap This leads the electrons in semiconductor to move from valence band to conduction band that generates charge carriers (electrons and holes) [12, 13]. Simple and nontoxic method was selected for the synthesis of ZnS and ZnS-Ag nanoballs at room temperature by chemical precipitation These nanoballs were used to degrade MB dyes that are used in different fields such as biology, chemistry and in other different industries. The effect of various parameters like change in dye concentration, effect of photocatalyst loading, effect of solution pH, and reusability of photocatalyst are studied

Materials and methods

Results and discussion

Conclusion