Synthesis and characterization of S-doped-rGO/ZnS nanocomposite for the photocatalytic degradation of 2-chlorophenol and disinfection of real dairy wastewater

Abstract In this study, a facile one-pot method has been used for the synthesis of zinc sulfide decorated sulfur-doped reduced graphene-oxide (S-rGO/ZnS) nanocomposite. The photocatalytic applications of ZnS and S-rGO/ZnS) nanocomposite is investigated for the decontamination and disinfection of 2-chlorophenol (2-CP) and real dairy wastewater. The physico-chemical characteristics of ZnS and S-rGO/ZnS were analyzed using photoluminescence spectroscopy, UV visible spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy and x-ray diffraction. The experimental findings revealed that the S-rGO/ZnS nanocomposite own superior photocatalytic activity with 99.3% degradation of 2-chlorophenol within four hours of solar light exposure. Furthermore, the antimicrobial potential of S-rGO/ZnS was also highlighted with the observed high disinfection potential while treatment of dairy wastewater. Overall, this study may offer useful insights to established visible light S-rGO/ZnS nanocomposite having the potential to be efficiently used for multiple applications in wastewater purification.