Synthesis of Co²⁺ doped ZnO-CdS composite nanopowder and its enhanced photocatalytic performance under visible light irradiation

Semiconductor composite nanomaterials open up new opportunities in the field of photocatalysis and have an enormous impact on the energy and environmental sectors. In the present study, an advanced catalyst, Co²⁺ doped ZnO- CdS composite nanopowder was prepared by using chemical precipitation method. The photocatalytic activity was observed on the degradation of methylene blue (MB). The synthesized material was characterized by powder XRD, SEM, TEM and FT-IR techniques. X-ray diffraction pattern revealed the hexagonal phase of ZnO and CdS with the lattice cell parameters in the order of nano scale. SEM and TEM micrographs shows spherical like structures with little agglomeration. FT-IR spectrum exhibited the fundamental vibrational modes of ZnO, CdS and other functional groups. Further, a plausible mechanism for the enhanced photocatalytic properties of the Co²⁺ doped ZnO-CdS nanocomposite has been discussed. This work on the development of ZnO-based semiconductor photocatalysis can offer new understandings into the design of novel hybrid photocatalysts for potential applications in the environmental remediation sectors.