Preparation and characterization of ZnS QDs/zeolite-Y and investigation of its photocatalytic activity

Zeolite Y is an alumino silicate material composed of SiO2 and Al2O3 with the general formula Mx [(AlO2)x(SiO2)y]3nH2O. The uniform void spaces (often called cages or channels) of zeolites enable them to be better media than colloidal solution for controlling aggregation. Thus, zeolites are used as hosts for generating very small QDs, organizing them in to regular arrays, and enhancing their stability [1]. Since the 1980s, semiconductor QDs encapsulated inside zeolites have been extensively studied [2]. In the present study ZnS quantum Dots encapsulated in zeolite Y are synthesized. The ZnS/Y quantum dots were further characterized using FESEM, XRD, UV–Visible spectroscopy and FT-IR. The XRD patterns of the Na-Y, Zn-Y, and ZnS-Y samples were compared and result confirmed that ZnS QDs were successfully incoporated in zeolite Y. XRD and FT-IR results showed that the frame- work structure of zeolite Y was not destroyed and that ZnS QDs were successfully introduced into zeolite Y, FESEM images also confirmed its synthesis.The photocatalytic activities of ZnS/Y were also measured by the photocatalytic degradation of fluorescein dye under UV light. Results indicated that ZnS/Y is relatively high catalytic properties. Approximately 78% degradation rate of the dye was achieved within 120 min of irradiation under UV light.