Abstract

In this study, a novel ZnS/ZnWO₄ nanocomposite photocatalyst was synthesized through a facile hydrothermal synthesis method. The as-prepared samples were characterized by energy dispersive X-ray analysis (EDS), X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), UV-vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (UV-vis DRS) and so on. The ZnS/ZnWO₄ nanocomposite shows an enhanced photocatalytic activity for the degradation of rhodamine B (RhB) under simulated solar light. The results show that ZnS/ZnWO₄ nanocomposite photocatalysts have better photocatalytic activity than the single ZnWO₄ or ZnS. In the case of ZnS compounding, ZnS/ZnWO₄ photocatalyst led to the lower recombination ratios of photo-generated electron hole pairs and then higher photocatalytic performance. In addition, it has the potential to become a useful technology for environmental cleanup without secondary pollution.

Keywords: Nanocomposite, photocatalyst, ZnWO₄.