ZnS Derived from Hydrozincite Precursor: Impact of the Synthesis‐Solvothermal Temperature on the Photocatalytic Hydrogen Evolution

Abstract

This paper presents the synthesis of ZnS through solvothermal method using hydrozincite (Zn5(CO3)2(OH)6) as a precursor. Zinc sulfide (ZnS) was synthesized at four different temperatures: 80 °C, 100 °C, 140 °C, and 180 °C. All photocatalysts that were synthesized underwent characterization by X‐ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, infrared spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, N2 adsorption‐desorption isotherms, diffuse reflectance spectroscopy, and X‐ray photoelectron analysis. The performance of H2 using photocatalysis was evaluated by utilizing methanol as a sacrificial agent. At 80 °C solvothermal temperature, the ZnS exhibited maximum photoactivity, leading to an H2 generation rate of 154.8 μmolh−1. The high photo‐activity of ZnS synthesized at 80 °C was mainly influenced by the crystallite size, which has an essential influence on the specific surface area. The photocatalytic efficiency of the most active material decreased by approximately 17 % over four reaction cycles due to the photo corrosion effect, with ZnSO3 being the primary by‐product formed after the reaction.