Synthesis of the ZnGa2S4 nanocrystals and their visible-light photocatalytic degradation property

Abstract

Nanostructured ZnGa2S4 with indirect band gap was prepared by a simple thiourea reduction method. As-prepared samples were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), high resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), and UV-Vis diffuse reflectance spectra (UV-Vis). The visible-light photocatalytic activity of the ZnGa2S4 was evaluated by the degradation of methylene blue (MB) aqueous solution. The high photoactivities of ZnGa2S4 can be attributed to the small band gap and large surface area, which is beneficial for degradation of pollutants and enhancement of transfer of photogenerated carriers.