Synthesis of sphere-like ZnS architectures via a solvothermal method and their visible-light catalytic properties

Abstract

Sphere-like ZnS samples with smooth or rough surface morphologies have been synthesized by a simple solvothermal method using Zn(II) inorganic salts and thiourea as precursors. The structure, morphology, optical properties and special surface area of the as-synthesized products were characterized by scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, UV–Vis absorption and Brunauer–Emmett–Teller methods. The results showed that the sizes of the two kinds of ZnS microspheres are in the range of 3–5 μm and 30–50 nm, respectively. The UV–visible spectra of the ZnS microspheres exhibited a strong broad defect-related band at 400–600 nm which almost covered the whole visible region. In addition, the excellent photocatalytic activity and degradation mechanism of ZnS microspheres have been investigated and discussed. The results indicating that both the ZnS samples with smooth and roughness surfaces had displayed high photodegradation efficiency to RhB, with degradation rates of 98% within 120 min.