The aim of this study is the synthesis, characterization and photocatalytic degradation of ZnO and Ag doped ZnO nanocatalysts of various compositions synthesized by using co-precipitation method. The nanocatalysts were annealed at the 723.15 K temperature. The obtained nanocatalysts were characterized in concerns their crystalline structure using X-ray diffraction, morphology using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and electron dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) in concern with their composition. Photocatalytic activity of nanocatalyst was tested by applying it for photocatalytic degradation of Methylene Blue under different experimental conditions. The photocatalytic activity found to increase with the increase of dopant concentration.

ZnS and Co doped ZnS were synthesized by chemical precipitation method. Structure and morphology of synthesized Co doped ZnS nano catalyst was investigated using scanning election microscopy (SEM), Electron dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). The photocatalytic activity of Co doped ZnS nano catalyst was investigated by degradation of Victoria blue solution under visible light radiation. The effects of various parameters such as the Victoria blue concentration, catalyst dose, effect of pH on the photocatalytic degradation were examined. The kinetics study shows that the reaction follows pseudo first order kinetics. Among the different amounts of dopant like 1, 2, and 5 wt% Co-doped ZnS nanocatalyst, it was observed that 5 wt % Co doped ZnS shows highest degradation rate for Victoria blue. The particle size, surface morphology and photo induced electron-hole pair generation are the key factors which has impact on photocatalytic activity.