Synthesis of ZnS/ZnO nanocomposite through solution combustion method for high rate photocatalytic conversion of CO2 and CH4

Using solution combustion synthesis, single step synthesis of ZnS/ZnO nancomposite was performed without using any expensive surfactants and inert atmospheric conditions. Structures, morphologies and optical property of samples were examined using XRD, FESEM, EDX, TEM, photoluminescence (PL) spectra, and diffuse reflectance UV-visible spectroscopy. Based on the results, the hexagonal structure of ZnO and ZnS and the combination of them were formed. The prepared photocatalysts were coated on a stainless steel webnet as support and used for direct photocatalytic conversion of CO2 and CH4 under UV and visible light irradiation, individually. The highest rates of photocatalytic conversion of CO2 and CH4 by ZnS/ZnO nanocomposite under UV light were 45% and 56% respectively. (C) 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.