Investigation on photocatalytic activity of ZnS/NiFe2O4 NCs under sunlight irradiation via a novel two-step synthesis approach

This work focuses on the facile two-step approach of Zinc Sulphide (ZnS)/ Nickel Ferrite (NiFe2O4) nano-composites (NCs) were developed for the first time. The PXRD pattern reveals that the survival of spinel cubic and cubic symmetry phases were obtained by synthesized ZnS/NiFe2O4 NCs. The optical band-gap values of synthesized NCs were achieved to be 1.50 eV and 1.89 eV respectively for NiFe2O4 and ZnS/NiFe2O4 NCs which were established by UV-Visible absorption spectrum via Tauc's relation. From the BET analysis, the surface area of the prepared ZnS/NiFe2O4 NCs was achieved to be 44.72 m2/g. The as-prepared ZnS/NiFe2O4 NCs exhibit superior photocatalytic performance than that of pure NiFe2O4 for degradation of methylene blue (MB) and rhodamine B (RhB) dyes under direct sunlight illumination. The photocatalytic efficiency of ZnS/NiFe2O4 NCs was estimated to be 93% and 72% for MB and RhB within 120 min illumination. Thus the result shows, developed nanocomposites demonstrated a proficient photodegradation process with a high reaction kinetic rate due to their separation as well as the transfer of photogenerated charge carriers.

Automated summary

This study focused on the facile two-step approach of Zinc Sulphide (ZnS)/ Nickel Ferrite (NiFe2O4) nano-composites, demonstrating superior photocatalytic performance under direct sunlight illumination for degrading dye pollutants. The optical properties and surface area characteristics of the synthesized NCs contribute to their efficient photodegradation process with high reaction kinetic rates.