Research On Synthesis Of CuS/ZnO Nanocomposite And Its Application

Composite materials have the excellent performance that single-component materialcan’t be achieved. It is not simply the sum of the different material properties, but has animportant function in improving the effect of the materials. Adding something that doesn’thave any photocatalytic properties into the body material can greatly improve thephotocatalytic properties of the body material.In this paper, zinc nitrate [Zn (NO3)2·6H2O] and urea were used as the raw materialsand we got the ZnO nanoparticles. Using copper acetate [Cu(Ac)2] and sodiumsulfide[Na2S] as raw materials, we got the black powder of CuS by liquid precipitationmethod. The CuS/ZnO nanocomposite was successfully synthesized by a simplemechanical method, without adding any surfactants. TEM and XPS images showed thatCuS existed in the nanocomposite and the size of CuS/ZnO nanocomposite particle wasaround35nm. CuS worked as an electron absorber in the nanocomposite, which wasbeneficial for the improvement of photocatalysis of ZnO. It was also proved that CuScould help ZnO degrade methylene blue (MB) by the experiments performed under thevisible light irradiation. The catalytic efficiency of the nanocomposites reached the highestvalue when0.5wt%CuS added. In addition, compared with pure ZnO, the CuS/ZnOnanocomposite exhibited a better photo-chemical stability after5catalytic cycles. Moreimportantly, CuS did not reduce the antibacterial property of ZnO. All these resultsindicated as-prepared samples had some potential values in practical applications. On thisbasis, we also studied the modification case of pure ZnO and CuS/ZnO nanocomposites.Main research work and achievements are as following:(1) Preparation of ZnO: We discussed4different methods to prepared nano-ZnO andtook energy, equipment, feasibility and cost etc factors into account, ultimately decidedwhen the reaction temperature is95℃, the calcination temperature is400℃, calcinationtime is1h, the obtained ZnO particle is the best.(2) Preparation of CuS: Studying different preparation methods of CuS and finally used copper acetate and sodium sulfide as raw materials, chemical precipitation method toprepare CuS.(3) Preparation of CuS/ZnO: The CuS/ZnO nanocomposite was synthesized by amechanical method. I. Making sure the grinding time as10min, and we got the differentcontent of CuS (0.1%、0.5%、1%、1.5%). II Making sure the CuS contents as0.5%andchanging the grinding time for0min、5min、10min、15min. Then we got the secondgroup of samples.(4) Characterization of nanomaterials: XRD and TEM images showed the pure ZnOnano-particles were spherical; the size is around35nm; while CuS looked more likenanorods with a much smaller particle size than ZnO. The contents of Cu and Sapproximately equal to1:1, proofing the existing of CuS.(5) Photocatalytic properties of CuS/ZnO: The UV-Vis analysis showed that the bandgap of ZnO was not changed by CuS adding. Compared with pure ZnO, the CuS/ZnOnanocomposites absorbed more light in whole visible region due to the presence of CuS.Photocatalytic results indicated that when the adding ratio was0.5wt%, the assistantcatalytic property was the best. The reason is that in CuS/ZnO nanocomposites, CuS notonly served as an electronic receiver which could promote the separation of electrons andholes on the surface of ZnO, but alse served as an electronic semiconductor which couldprovide electronic to the solution.(6) Antibacterial properties of CuS/ZnO: From antibacterial experiments we knewCuS adding did not change the existing excellent antibacterial properties of ZnO, therefore,CuS/ZnO nano–composites can not only degrade organic matter, but also can eliminatesome kind bacteria in the water.(7) Modification of CuS/ZnO: After modification, the nanomaterials dispersed moreevenly in solution and the agglomeration improved. The modified nanomaterials can beused in finishing fabric more easily. It could be used for making outdoor sports clothingand equipment.