The morphology, chemical composition, and doping process of metal oxides and sulfides play a significant role in their photocatalytic performance under solar light illumination. We synthesized Cu2+-doped ZnO–SnS nanocomposites at 220 °C for 10 h, using hydrothermal methods. These nanocomposites were structurally, morphologically, and optically characterized using various techniques, including powder X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and UV-visible absorption spectroscopy. Their photocatalytic activity (PCA) on methylene blue (MB) pollutant dye was examined under 150 W solar light illumination. Mixed-phase abundances with hexagonal ZnO and orthorhombic SnS structures were observed. TEM micrographs showed changes in morphology from spherical to nano-flake structures with an increasing doping concentration. XPS indicated the chemical states of the constituent elements in the nanocomposites. UV-visible absorption spectroscopy showed a decrease in the bandgap with an increasing doping concentration. Strong PCA was observed due to the separation of charge carriers, a change in bandgap, and a high light absorption ability under solar light irradiation. The measured photodegradation efficiency of the MB dye was approximately 97% after 2 h. The movement of the charge carriers and the bandgap alignment of the synthesized composites are briefly discussed.
Detoxification of water bodies from industrial pollutant dyes by semiconductor heterojunction composites briefed. Synthesis of ZnO/SnS core/shell nanocomposites by ecofriendly hydrothermal method presented. Characterization by powder X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), UV–Vis absorption spectroscopy photoluminescence (PL) etc., were presented. Abundance of orthorhombic ZnO and hexagonal SnS was confirmed by X-ray diffraction. Compression of hexagonal ZnO planes (as core nanorods) and SnS core nanoparticles infers growth of core shell structure. Average crystallite size is found to be 5.8 nm. Structure and TEM morphology correlated. XPS reveals abundance of elemental oxidation state. Photocatalytic activity was studied by using visible light irradiation. Photoluminescence for ZnO/SnS core/shell nanocomposites inferred significant emission peaks. Enhanced PCA observed against visible light. Methylene blue dye characteristic PCAby its degradation evinced. PCA is found optimal for Z-S3. Configuration of bandgap promoted growth of novel hetero junction. Physical mechanism is proposed for the enhanced photocatalytic activity as accompanied by degradation of MB dye.
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