Constructing ZIF-8 derived C-ZnS/ZnMoO@MoS and C-ZnS/MoS nanocomposites using a simple one-pot strategy to enhance photocatalytic degradation activity.

Efficient C-ZnS/ZnMoO@MoS and C-ZnS/MoS nanocomposite photocatalysts, using ZIF-8 derived C-ZnO as a precursor were successfully synthesized using a simple one-pot procedure. This is the first application that involves transforming ZIF-8 into C-ZnMoO for photocatalysis. The C-ZnS/ZnMoO@MoS and C-ZnS/MoS heterostructures were characterized by X-ray diffraction, UV-vis, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, photocurrent measurements, scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy. The ZM2 sample of C-ZnS/ZnMoO@MoS exhibited enhanced photocatalytic activity of about 2.9 times as high as that of ZIF-8 derived C-ZnO in the reduction of tetracycline hydrochloride, and also showed obvious photocatalytic activity 1.81 and 3.33 times as high as that of a ZM3 sample of C-ZnS/MoS and ZIF-8 derived C-ZnO in the degradation of RhB, respectively. The improved photodegradation activity is a result of the heterogenous structure and the tighter contact between C-ZnS and C-ZnMoO compared with the physical contact of general heterogenous photocatalysts. The C-ZnS/ZnMoO@MoS heterostructure photocatalyst is expected to be a new type of nanomaterial for the degradation of pollutants from wastewater.