Mn-doped ZnS nanoparticle photoanodes: Synthesis, structural, optical, and photoelectrochemical characteristics

• Published in: Materials chemistry and physics Vol. 307; p. 128081
• Main Authors: Bui, Hong Van, Thai, Dang Van, Nguyen, Tien Dai, Lam, Van Nang, Tran, Huu Toan, Nguyen, Van Manh, Nui, Nguyen Duc, Hung, Nguyen Manh
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier B.V 01.10.2023
• Subjects: Co-precipitation method; Mn-doped ZnS; Nanoparticle; Photoelectrochemical; Mn-doped ZnS; Nanoparticle; Co-precipitation method; Photoelectrochemical
• ISSN: 0254-0584; 1879-3312
• DOI: 10.1016/j.matchemphys.2023.128081

In this work, Mn-doped zinc sulfide (Mn:ZnS) nanoparticles (NPs) have been synthesized as a promising material for photoelectrochemical water splitting (PEC), using the co-precipitation method. PEC properties of Mn-doped zinc sulfide NPs were considered under the correlation between Mn-doping level and their particle size. The highest photocurrent density (8.03 mA cm−2) and largest photoconversion efficiency (0.63%) (at 0.4 V vs. RHE) were reached at 6 mol% Mn. Based on the results of used various materials characterization techniques, including transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray diffraction, photoluminescence spectrum, and absorbance spectrum, it can be assessed that the outstanding PEC characteristics of Mn:ZnS photoanode are attributed to the narrow bandgap of Mn:ZnS nanoparticles and their notably small particle size, which is originated from the Mn-doping. For application, the stability and the effect of various electrolytes were also investigated. [Display omitted] •Mn:ZnS nanoparticles (NPs) (average crystal size of 2.8–3.8 nm) were successfully prepared by the co-precipitation method.•Pl spectrum of Mn:ZnS shows a strong emission peak at around 603 nm, assigned to the Mn2+ band transition in the ZnS crystal.•Photocurrent of Mn:ZnS anode is 8.03 mA cm−2 at 0.4 V (vs. RHE), higher than ZnS using 0.5 M of electrolyte (Na2S + Na2SO3).•The Mn:ZnS nanoparticles may have a high potential for future photoelectrochemical applications.