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

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.