Facile synthesis of novel SWCNT/HgS nanohybrid: An effective photocatalyst for degradation of methylene blue

Abstract Mercury sulphide (HgS) nanoparticles decorated single walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNT/HgS) were synthesized via a hydrothermal route. We investigated structural and photocatalytic properties of SWCNT/HgS nanohybrid. The diameter of pure SWCNTs and SWCNT/HgS as determined by Raman spectroscopy was 1.607 nm and 1.646 nm, respectively. Hexagonal phase of α-HgS nanoparticles decorated on SWCNTs was evidenced in HRTEM, SAED, XPS and XRD spectra. An increase in photocatalytic efficiency of SWCNT/HgS nanohybrid (99.08%) as compared to HgS NPs (73.0%) was observed for photodegradation of methylene blue (5 ppm) under sunlight. This study suggests a promising approach to rational design of advanced heterogeneous photocatalysts for environmental remediation.