Fast, green and template-free method for preparation of Zn1−xCdxS nanoparticles using microwave irradiation and their photocatalytic activities

Fast, green and template-free method was applied for preparation of Zn1−xCdxS nanoparticles (x=0–1) in water using 6 min microwave irradiation. Diffraction peaks in powder X-ray diffraction (XRD) patterns of the nanoparticles gradually shift to lower angles with increase in cadmium content. Absorption edges for Zn1−xCdxS nanoparticles obtained by UV–vis diffuse reflectance spectra (DRS) are red-shifted as the value of x increases. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images demonstrate that the nanoparticles are nearly spherical. Photocatalytic degradation of methylene blue (MB) on the nanoparticles was evaluated under UV and visible light irradiations. The results indicate that Zn0.8Cd0.2S nanoparticles exhibit the highest photocatalytic activity among the prepared samples. Moreover, observed first-order rate constant of the reaction under visible light irradiation decreases with increase in microwave irradiation time applied for preparation of the nanoparticles.