Constructing ZIF-8 derived C–ZnS/ZnMoO4@MoS2 and C–ZnS/MoS2 nanocomposites using a simple one-pot strategy to enhance photocatalytic degradation activity

Efficient C–ZnS/ZnMoO4@MoS2 and C–ZnS/MoS2 nanocomposite photocatalysts, using ZIF-8 derived C–ZnO as a precursor were successfully synthesized using a simple one-pot procedure. This is the first application that involves transforming ZIF-8 into C–ZnMoO4 for photocatalysis. The C–ZnS/ZnMoO4@MoS2 and C–ZnS/MoS2 heterostructures were characterized by X-ray diffraction, UV-vis, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, photocurrent measurements, scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy. The ZM2 sample of C–ZnS/ZnMoO4@MoS2 exhibited enhanced photocatalytic activity of about 2.9 times as high as that of ZIF-8 derived C–ZnO in the reduction of tetracycline hydrochloride, and also showed obvious photocatalytic activity 1.81 and 3.33 times as high as that of a ZM3 sample of C–ZnS/MoS2 and ZIF-8 derived C–ZnO in the degradation of RhB, respectively. The improved photodegradation activity is a result of the heterogenous structure and the tighter contact between C–ZnS and C–ZnMoO4 compared with the physical contact of general heterogenous photocatalysts. The C–ZnS/ZnMoO4@MoS2 heterostructure photocatalyst is expected to be a new type of nanomaterial for the degradation of pollutants from wastewater.