Synthesis of nitrogen-doped graphene–ZnS quantum dots composites with highly efficient visible light photodegradation

•A new strategy was present to synthesize nitrogen-doped graphene–ZnS quantum dots (NG–ZnS QDs) composites.•[(Zn2S2) (pa)] nanosheets were used not only as the sources of ZnS QDs but also as the sources of nitrogen.•The photocatalytic activities of NG–ZnS QDs could be remarkably enhanced.

Nitrogen-doped graphene–ZnS quantum dots (NG–ZnS QDs) were synthesized by a one-pot hydrothermal process using graphene oxide and [(Zn2S2) (pa)] nanosheets as precursors. The results demonstrated that ZnS QDs deposited on the surface of the nitrogen-doped graphene (NG). Combined with series of our analysis and characterization, we found that [(Zn2S2) (pa)] nanosheets were used not only as the sources of ZnS QDs but also as the sources of nitrogen. Moreover, photocatalytic experiment of NG–ZnS QDs for organic dyes was conducted under visible light irradiation, and the results exhibited that the photocatalytic activities of resultant composites could be remarkably enhanced. This simple and catalyst-free approach for depositing ZnS QDs onto NG may provide an alternative way for preparation of other composites based on NG under mild conditions, which showed their potential applications in wastewater treatment.

Graphical abstractSchematic of the four-step process of the photon-driven CT model for NG–ZnS QDs.Figure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slide