Metals- and non-metals-doped ZnS for various photocatalytic applications

Abstract

Doped zinc sulfide (ZnS) exhibits high photocatalytic activity as well as good stability and recyclability, which are desirable for all photocatalytic applications. The dopants are grouped into metal, dual doped, and non-metal doped ZnS, and the relevant synthetic methods, novel properties, and key applications for the photocatalytic degradation of diverse kinds of pollutants including dyes, pharmaceuticals, and other organic wastes as well as their use in the evolution of hydrogen and CO2 conversion are also critically discussed while also highlighting the mechanisms involved in using doped ZnS for the photodegradation, hydrogen production and CO2 reduction processes. The review revealed that the doped ZnS has mainly been synthesized by the hydrothermal/solvothermal and co-precipitation methods and the optimal conditions affecting the performance of the doped ZnS including the concentration of dopant, the size, shape, surface area, band gap, temperature, irradiation source, and pH were also discussed. The review concludes with a future outlook that points out issues that need to be addressed for improved applications of doped ZnS in photocatalysis.