| Abstract | ZnS nanoparticles were synthesized using a chemical precipitation method and were characterized with
FTIR, transmission electron microscope (TEM), X-ray diffraction analysis (XRD) and UV–vis absorption.
XRD analysis shows that the diameter of the particles is 1.6 nm. The interaction between ZnS nanoparticles
and safranin O (SO) dye was studied with UV–vis absorption as well as fluorescence emission and
excitation spectra. The results show fluorescence enhancement from dye molecules with nanoparticles
upon excitation at 325 nm. In contrast, the fluorescence of the dye monitored at 520nm is quenched by
ZnS nanoparticles. ZnS nanoparticleswere used as a photocatalyst in order to degrade SO dye. Amaximum
degradation efficiency of 51% of the dye has been achieved in the presence of ZnS as a nanophotocatalyst
at pH 7. Photodegradation of the dye follows second-order kinetics. |