A detailed investigation on the structural, optical, and photocatalytic properties of ZnO@ZnS core–shell nanostructures

In this study, zinc oxide nanoparticles were synthesized via a facile hydrothermal and solvothermal method and were covered by zinc sulfate using a chemical approach forming ZnO@ZnS core–shell nanostructures. Different techniques like XRD, BET, FESEM, PL, and UV–Vis spectroscopy as well as photocatalytic activity of ZnO, ZnS, and ZnO@ZnS results were investigated to confirm the nanostructure and homogeneous distribution of particles inside the matrix. In addition, the scavenger study indicates that all charge carriers and reactive radicals contribute by roughly close extent, which explains the observed increase in the rate of degradation. The photocatalytic activity was evaluated under UV light toward MO and RhB dyes. For degrading MO solution under UV irradiation, it is found that both the photocatalytic performances of ZnO@ZnS are much higher (98.6%) than those of pure ZnO (54%). The photocatalytic mechanism under UV light irradiation was proposed. The complex ZnO@ZnS nanocable provide a facile, low cost, high surface-to-volume ratio, high photocatalytic efficiency, and high reusability, which shall be also promising in many related areas, such as solar energy conversion, water splitting, and energy storage.