Enhanced Photocatalytic Properties of ZnS-WO3 Nanosheet Hybrid under Visible Light Irradiation

Recyclable photocatalysts for treating the organically polluted water, occupies significant research space globally, in order to address the water security problems. Here, we report a novel, efficient and recyclable ZnS nanoparticles (NPs) - WO3 nanosheet hybrid photocatalysts prepared with different mass ratios (20 & 40 wt. %) of ZnS NPs on WO3 nanosheets. The formation of hybrid photocatalysts was investigated by various analytical techniques. The photocatalytic performances of all the as prepared catalysts were evaluated by the photodegradation of Methylene Blue (MB) dye under UV-Vis light irradiation. Amongst, 20 wt. % ZnS - WO3 nanosheet hybrid showed higher photocatalytic degradation activity than the other samples. The increased absorption of light in the visible region and simultaneous suppression of carrier recombination effected the enhancement in the photocatalytic degradation efficiency. A possible reaction mechanism for improvement of photocatalytic activity of ZnS - WO3 nanosheet hybrid has been proposed.