Enhanced photocatalytic activity of ZnS nanoparticles loaded with MoS2 nanoflakes by self-assembly approach

A hybrid consisting of ZnS nanoparticles supported on layered MoS2−ZnS was synthesized by a hydrothermal method based on self-assembly technique without using a template. XRD, SEM-EDX, TEM, HR-TEM, TG-DTA, XPS, N2 adsorption-desorption, and UV–Vis spectroscopies were used to characterize the structural features, morphology, and composition of the MoS2–ZnS hybrid. The results show that the MoS2–ZnS hybrid is mainly ZnS nanoparticles on layered MoS2 with a thickness of ca. 5–20 nm. The combination of the MoS2 and ZnS hybrid structure is beneficial for enhancing the photocatalytic degradation of rhodamine B (RhB) under visible light irradiation. A possible photoreaction mechanism of the MoS2–ZnS hybrid in the degradation is proposed. The photoexcited electrons from the ZnS could easily transfer to the conduction band of MoS2, thus decreasing the recombination of photoinduced carriers and enabling the degradation of RhB under visible light irradiation.