A new and simple UV-assisted approach for synthesis of water soluble ZnS and transition metals doped ZnS nanoparticles (NPs) and investigating optical and photocatalyst properties

In this research, ZnS, ZnS:Cu and ZnS:Ag NPs were prepared using a UV-assisted approach in water media. Zn(Ac)2 was the Zn source and thioglycolic acid (TGA) was used as both of the S2- source and capping agent molecule. UV-illumination decomposed TGA slowly and prepared the S2- needed for the ZnS formation. Synthesized NPs were characterized by means of XRD, FESEM, TEM, EDAX, FTIR, UV-vis and PL analysis. The synthesized NPs indicated good photocatalyst performance for photo-degradation of Methyl orange (MO) as a pollutant.