The influence of Triton X-100 surfactant on the morphology and properties of zinc sulfide nanoparticles for applications in azo dyes degradation

Herein we report the synthesis, by two different routes, of ZnS nanoparticles capped with Triton X-100 (TX), which were characterized by X-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, high resolution electron microscopy, selected area electron diffraction, energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, FTIR spectroscopy, UV–visible spectroscopy, photoluminescence spectroscopy, and surface area measurements. The TX-capped ZnS nanopowders have a very good photocatalytic activity and high specific surface area, depending on the synthesis route; e.g. an azo dye solution is almost complete photobleached in only 60 min (a photocatalytic activity of 97.79%) using TX-capped ZnS nanopowder, with specific surface area of 191 m2/g, and further a photocatalytic activity of 99.75% was achieved in 120 min. Based on the photocatalytic results, the ZnS nanopowders can be considered suitable catalysts for a green, very efficient and quick strategy for removing of organic pollutants from wastewaters. [Display omitted] •Triton X-100 was used as surfactant in ZnS nanopowders synthesis by two methods.•Triton X-capped ZnS nanoparticles with high specific surface area were synthesized.•A very high capacity for bleaching an azo dye solution was evidenced.•Some of ZnS powders properties were crucially modified by the synthesis technique.