Synthesis of Mn-doped ZnS microspheres with enhanced visible light photocatalytic activity

Abstract ZnS microspheres with a series of Mn-doping concentration were synthesized via a facile solvothermal route. The phase structures, morphologies, and chemical states were characterized by X-ray powder diffraction, scanning electron microscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The phase structure of the synthesized Mn-ZnS microspheres is hexagonal from the XRD patterns. UV–vis diffuse reflectance spectra were employed to analyze the absorption properties of the samples. The Mn-doped ZnS exhibited stronger visible light absorption with the increasing of Mn content. Their photocatalytic activities were evaluated by H2 production from water and reducing Cr6+ under visible light irradiation. The as-prepared Mn-doped ZnS exhibited better photocatalytic performance than that of pure ZnS and the optimal doping concentration was 7%. The enhancement in photocatalytic activity can be attributed to the expansion of light absorption and the increase in life time of photogenerated carriers.