The Study of Photocatalytic Behavior of Carbon-ZnS Nanocomposites Prepared with Microwave Co- precipitation Method

Abstract

We prepared samples including nanoparticles of ZnS via co-precipitation method in room temperature and with microwave heating using water as a “green" solvent. The procedure was repeated with various natural surfactants. XRD and SEM analysis was performed to determine the nanostructural and morphologic characteristics of nanoparticles. The mean diameter less than 100 nm for ZnS particles showed that there was well-formed pure nanostructure. SEM analysis disclosed that temperature and type of surfactant will affect the nanostructures and so we can control the nanostructure and particle size with changing such parameters. With combining of pure Carbon and ZnS nanoparticles in various proportions, Carbon - ZnS nanocomposites was prepared using microwave heating. SEM and FT-IR analysis was performed on these nanocomposites to compare them with pure Carbon and ZnS nanoparticles. We also assessed the photocatalytic potential of prepared nanocomposites using acidic and neutral pH methyl orange and Congo red solutions under UV- IR radiation. This study confirms that these nanocomposites can be used as photo-catalysts for water refinery in home and industries.