Template-free synthesis of nanostructured CdxZn1-xS with tunable band structure for H-2 production and organic dye degradation using solar light

We have demonstrated a template-free large-scale synthesis of nanostructured CdZnS by a simple and a low-temperature solid-state method. Cadmium oxide, zinc oxide, and thiourea in various concentration ratios are homogenized at moderate temperature to obtain nanostructured CdZnS. We have also demonstrated that phase purity of the sample can be controlled with a simple adjustment of the amount of Zn content and nanocrystalline CdZnS (x = 0.5 and 0.9) of the hexagonal phase with 6-8 nm sized and 4-5 nm sized Cd ZnS of cubic phase can be easily obtained using this simple approach. UV-vis and PL spectrum indicate that the optical properties of as synthesized nanostructures can also be modulated by tuning their compositions. Considering the band gap of the nanostructured Cd ZnS well within the visible region, the photocatalytic activity for H generation using HS and methylene blue dye degradation is performed under visible-light irradiation. The maximum H evolution of 8320 μmol hg is obtained using nanostructured CdZnS, which is four times higher than that of bulk CdS (2020 μmol h g) and the reported nanostructured CdS (5890 μmol hg). As synthesized CdZnS shows 2-fold enhancement in degradation of methylene blue as compared to the bulk CdS. It is noteworthy that the synthesis method adapted provides an easy, inexpensive, and pollution-free way to synthesize very tiny nanoparticles of CdZnS with a tunnable band structure on a large scale, which is quite difficult to obtain by other methods. More significantly, environmental benign enhanced H production from hazardous HS using Cd ZnS is demonstrated for the first time

Template-Free Synthesis of Nanostructured Cd_<i>x</i>Zn_1–<i>x</i>S with Tunable Band Structure for H₂ Production and Organic Dye Degradation Using Solar Light

We have demonstrated a template-free large-scale synthesis of nanostructured Cd_<i>x</i>Zn_1–<i>x</i>S by a simple and a low-temperature solid-state method. Cadmium oxide, zinc oxide, and thiourea in various concentration ratios are homogenized at moderate temperature to obtain nanostructured Cd_<i>x</i>Zn_1–<i>x</i>S. We have also demonstrated that phase purity of the sample can be controlled with a simple adjustment of the amount of Zn content and nanocrystalline Cd_<i>x</i>Zn_1–<i>x</i>S (<i>x</i> = 0.5 and 0.9) of the hexagonal phase with 6–8 nm sized and 4–5 nm sized Cd_0.1Zn_0.9S of cubic phase can be easily obtained using this simple approach. UV–vis and PL spectrum indicate that the optical properties of as synthesized nanostructures can also be modulated by tuning their compositions. Considering the band gap of the nanostructured Cd_<i>x</i>Zn_1–<i>x</i>S well within the visible region, the photocatalytic activity for H₂ generation using H₂S and methylene blue dye degradation is performed under visible-light irradiation. The maximum H₂ evolution of 8320 μmol h^–1g^–1 is obtained using nanostructured Cd_0.1Zn_0.9S, which is four times higher than that of bulk CdS (2020 μmol h^–1 g^–1) and the reported nanostructured CdS (5890 μmol h^–1g^–1). As synthesized Cd_0.9Zn_0.1S shows 2-fold enhancement in degradation of methylene blue as compared to the bulk CdS. It is noteworthy that the synthesis method adapted provides an easy, inexpensive, and pollution-free way to synthesize very tiny nanoparticles of Cd_<i>x</i>Zn_1–<i>x</i>S with a tunnable band structure on a large scale, which is quite difficult to obtain by other methods. More significantly, environmental benign enhanced H₂ production from hazardous H₂S using Cd_<i>x</i>Zn_1–<i>x</i>S is demonstrated for the first time

A general strategy toward carbon cloth-based hierarchical films constructed by porous nanosheets for superior photocatalytic activity

Herein, the controlled synthesis of 3D hierarchical films on carbon cloth (CC) in a high yield through a hydrothermal process and their high photocatalytic properties are reported. As representative examples, the obtained ZnIn2S4/CdIn2S4 composites are composed of porous nanosheets. During the hydrothermal process, l-cysteine plays an important dual role as a coordinating agent and sulfur source, which is in favor of adjusting stoichiometry of the final product and forming the nanoporous structure. This facile method can be extended to synthesize other sulfides and oxides on CC substrates, such as CoIn2S4, MnIn2S4, FeIn2S4, SnS2, and Bi2WO6. When evaluated the photocatalytic activity, the optimized ZnIn2S4/CdIn2S4(20%)-CC with an easily recycling feature shows higher photocatalytic degradation activity for methylene blue (MB) than ZnIn2S4-CC, CdIn2S4-CC, and ZnIn2S4/CdIn2S4(20%) powder. More importantly, ZnIn2S4/CdIn2S4(20%)-CC also exhibits superior H2 production activity. The enhanced photocatalytic activity is attributed to the unique porous sheet-like structure and the formation of heterojunction. Our results could provide a promising way to develop high-performance photocatalytic films, which makes it possible to be used in real devices