Enhancement of Sulfur Source-Dependent Zn Vacancies in Different Photocatalytic Performances of ZnInS Nanoparticles.

This study focuses on the synthesis and investigation of ZnInS nanoparticle (NP) photocatalysts treated with different sulfur sources, thioacetamide (TAA), or thiourea (TU), to explore their wavelength-dependent photocatalytic activity. The research aims to understand the impact of Zn vacancies present on the surface of ZnInS NPs. The investigation involves electron spin resonance and in situ X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy to study the photocatalytic activity of ZnInS-TU and ZnInS-TAA NPs, following the characterization of surface morphology and electronic properties using high-resolution transmission electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction. Additionally, the study delves into the wavelength-dependent photocatalytic degradation (PCD) activity of the ZnInS NPs using 2,5-hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) across a wide range. Notably, the selective oxidation of HMF using ZnInS-TU NPs resulted in the formation of 2,5-furandicarboxylic acid (FDCA) via 2,5-diformylfuran, with an efficiency exceeding 40% over the broad wavelength range. The research demonstrates that the irradiation wavelength for PCD is influenced by the number of defect structures introduced into the ZnInS NPs through the sulfur source.