Open AccessMicrowave‐assisted synthesis of pectin‐stabilised CdS/ZnS core/shell nanocrystals and enhanced photocatalytic performance
Author(s) -
Qin Dezhi,
Yang Guangrui,
Wang Yabo,
Zhang Jiajia,
Zhang Li
Publication year - 2020
Publication title -
micro and nano letters
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.25
H-Index - 31
ISSN - 1750-0443
DOI - 10.1049/mnl.2020.0062
Subject(s) - nanocrystal , materials science , photocatalysis , rhodamine b , chemical engineering , dissolution , visible spectrum , photochemistry , nanotechnology , chemistry , catalysis , organic chemistry , optoelectronics , engineering
Pectin‐conjugated CdS/ZnS core/shell nanocrystals were prepared by using a microwave‐assisted approach without the addition of any external ligands. The prepared cubic phase CdS/ZnS nanocrystals were uniform and mono‐dispersed with sizes of 6–9 nm. The charge and long‐chain structure of pectin molecules effectively prevented the aggregation of CdS/ZnS nanocrystals. In addition, pectin molecules have multiple functional groups, such as O–H, C=O, and COO − , which could conjugate with the surface of samples to control the growth of CdS/ZnS nanocrystals. Thermogravimetric analysis provided evidence that the obtained products are inorganic–organic hybrid materials. Based on the analysis of ultraviolet–visible spectra, it was found that the formation of ZnS shell led to a red‐shift and an enhancement of absorption of CdS/ZnS nanocrystals compared with that of CdS. Photocatalytic activity of CdS/ZnS nanocrystals was monitored by the degradation of Rhodamine B under visible light irradiation. The presence of ZnS shell inhibited photo‐corrosion and photo‐dissolution of CdS nanocatalyst, thus resulting in a significant enhancement of photocatalytic activity and stability.