Synthesis and Photocatalytic Properties of Coupled Nanocrystalline ZnO/ZnS in Nafion Membrane

The coupled nanocrystalline ZnO/ZnS was fabricated and immobilized in Nafion membrane by using sodium sulfide (Na2S) as the single anion precursor. The molar ratio of ZnO to ZnS can be controlled by simply adjusting the reaction time. The as-prepared ZnO/ZnS-Nafion samples were characterized by various methods, including optical absorption, X-ray diffraction and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy. These coupled ZnO/ZnS nanocrystals embedded in Nation membrane displayed excellent photocatalytic activities for their efficient charge separation properties. A mechanism of ZnO/ZnS nanoparticle fabrication in Nafion was deduced from the solubility difference, and the photocatalytic mechanism of coupled ZnO/ZnS was discussed as well.