Self-assembled macro porous ZnS–graphene aerogels for photocatalytic degradation of contaminants in water

Abstract

A facile, green protocol for the synthesis of self-assembled 3D porous ZnS–graphene aerogels (ZnS–GAs) using vitamin-C to obtain a 3D network of supramolecular hybrid nanostructured materials was developed. Structural, morphological, and optical measurements demonstrate that the ZnS–GAs nanostructures have good crystallinity, and the graphene nanosheets are densely decorated by ZnS nanostructures. The photocatalytic properties of ZnS–GAs were assessed based on photocatalytic degradation of methylene blue (MB) and Cr(VI) under simulated sunlight irradiation. Superior photocatalytic performance was achieved with the ZnS–GAs compared to bare ZnS. This enhancement is ascribed to efficient charge transfer from ZnS to the graphene sheets. Overall, the present work provides new insight into the green synthesis of 3D ZnS–GAs, and the developed composites are highly active photocatalysts with stable cycling that can be exploited in environmentally friendly applications.