Visible-light-driven photocatalytic properties of binary MoS2/ZnS heterostructured nanojunctions synthesized via one-step hydrothermal route

Abstract

Here, we elaborate a facile and novel synthesis of a MoS₂/ZnS nanojunction photocatalyst and its photocatalytic activity for the degradation of the organic contaminants malachite green and para-nitro phenol. The binary photocatalyst thus synthesized was characterized through different techniques, such as XRD, SEM, TEM, EDAX, BET, DRS, XPS and PL. The integration of MoS₂ onto a ZnS lattice stimulates sulfur vacancies, curtailing the forbidden energy gap and facilitating visible light absorption. The formation of nanojunctions between ZnS and MoS₂ benefits the segregation of photogenerated charge carriers through the interfaces, resulting in photodegradation rates nearly ten times faster than that of ZnS particles. The durability and stability of the synthesized photocatalyst were established by recyclability experiments. The MoS₂/ZnS nanojunction synthesis is scalable and contributes to the advancement of MoS₂-based photocatalysts for the efficient degradation of aqueous organic pollutants.