Synthesis of tunable ZnS-CuS microspheres and visible-light photoactivity for rhodamine B

Authors

Xuewu Wang, Tianjin University of Technology
Yanan Li, University of Tennessee
Mingrui Wang, Tianjin University of Technology
Wenjiang Li, Tianjin University of Technology
Minfang Chen, Tianjin University of Technology
Yue Zhao, University of WollongongFollow

RIS ID

92930

Publication Details

Wang, X., Li, Y., Wang, M., Li, W., Chen, M. and Zhao, Y. (2014). Synthesis of tunable ZnS-CuS microspheres and visible-light photoactivity for rhodamine B. New Journal of Chemistry: a journal for new directions in chemistry, 38 (9), 4182-4189.

Abstract

Tunable ZnS-CuS microspheres were readily prepared via replacing the Zn2+ ions of solid ZnS microspheres with Cu2+ ions in an aqueous solution under a hydrothermal condition, and were then characterized by XRD, SEM, TEM, UV-Vis, PL and XPS techniques. The thickness of CuS shell on the surface of ZnS core can be controlled by changing the ion-exchange time, which plays an important role in the visible light photodegradation efficiency of rhodamine B in aqueous solution. Degradation rate can rapidly reach ca. 72% under visible light irradiation for 15 min and then ca. 98% after 60 min using the ZnS-CuS microspheres as the photocatalyst.