Composition-dependent perfect band gap tuning of ZnS1-x Sex solid solutions for efficient photocatalysis

Abstract In this work, a series of ternary ZnS 1 -x Se x ( x  = 0–1) nanoparticles with perfectly tunable band gap were synthesized by using a facile low temperature route. The structure, composition, photophysical properties, and morphology of the samples were investigated by XRD, DRS, Nitrogen adsorption, EDS, TEM, and HRTEM. The characterization results indicated that by varying the Se/S molar ratio in the raw solutions the composition of ZnS 1 -x Se x can be easily tailored, which resulted in the tunable band gap and surface areas. Photocatalytic experiments showed the resulting ternary ZnS 1- x Se x exhibited much higher photocatalytic activity than pure ZnS and ZnSe in methylthionine chloride (MB) degradation, and the superior catalytic activity of ZnS 0.9 Se 0.1 should be attributed to its appropriate band gap and higher surface area. This work mainly deepens on tuning the composition and band gap of ternary ZnS 1- x Se x by a facile low temperature route for solar energy utilization.