One-pot Synthesis of Homogeneous Core-shell ZnS Structures and Their Photocatalytic Properties

Homogeneous core-shell ZnS structures were synthesized via a one-pot hydrothermal route. Zinc nitrate and thiourea were used as the reactants. Simultaneously, sodium dodecyl sulfate was used as the capping agent. The results show that both the core and shell consist of the same chemical composition. Moreover, the formation and closure degree of the shell can be easily tailored by adjusting reaction time. Under optimal conditions, core-shell ZnS particles with the diameter of about 3 mu m can be obtained. Finally, the obtained samples were used as photocatalysts for degradation of methylene blue solution under UV light irradiation. It turns out that the photocatalytic activities of ZnS particles are closely related to their morphology. Furthermore, the degradation efficiency of the core-shell ZnS particles could reach 97.3%.