Synthesis, electronic property and photocatalytic applications of mesoporous cobalt-doped ZnS and ZnO nanoplates

Mesoporous cobalt-doped ZnS and ZnO nanoplates were fabricated by calcination of a Zn0.95Co0.05S(en)0.5 complex (en = ethylenediamine), which was hydrothermally synthesized using ethylenediamine as a single solvent and chelating agent. When the as-prepared Zn0.95Co0.05S(en)0.5 complex was calcined, mesoporous nanoplates of wurtzite Zn0.95Co0.05S were formed, which then transformed to Zn0.95Co0.05O platelets upon further oxidation. Photocatalytic performance of the as-prepared materials was investigated for decomposition of the azo dye (acid red 14) and photoelectrochemical current generation in aqueous Na2S/Na2SO3 solution as probe reactions. The Zn0.95Co0.05S calcined at 500 °C exhibited the highest photocatalytic activity under UV irradiation and also showed the photocatalytic performance under visible light irradiation.

Graphical abstractFigure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload high-quality image (185 K)Download as PowerPoint slideHighlights► Zn0.95Co0.05S(en)0.5 complex was prepared by hydrothermal synthesis. ► Zn0.95Co0.05S and Zn0.95Co0.05O nanoplates were produced by a topotactic solid transformation. ► Mesoporous Zn0.95Co0.05S nanoplates showed good photosensitivity and stability under visible light irradiation. ► The photocatalytic activity for the degradation of AR14 originates from the band-gap excited photons.