Development of biomorphic C-ZnO with in situ formation of ZnS using eggshell membrane as bio-template

Biomorphic C-ZnO/ZnS ceramics were developed using eggshell membrane as the bio-template through a facile solution soakage and infiltration method. The calcination temperature was varied from 650 to 850 degrees C, and the phase evolutions were studied. ZnS is formed in situ from ZnO and eggshell membrane proteins acted as the intrinsic source for sulfur. Morphological features of the developed biomorphic ceramics were characterized using electron microscopes, and structural investigations were carried out using X-ray diffractometer and FT-IR spectroscopy. The calcined products replicated the fibrous network of the eggshell membrane through an assembly of nanocrystallites. The surface and pore features of the developed ceramics were studied using the Brunauer-Emmet-Teller N-2 adsorption-desorption technique, and the sample calcined at 850 degrees C exhibited a larger surface area compared to other samples. The results of UV-vis diffuse reflectance and photoluminescence spectroscopy indicate that the biomorphic ceramics developed containing carbon might exhibit an enhanced photocatalytic activity.