(Co, Sm) co-doped ZnS quantum dots: Morphological, structural, optical, photoluminescence and photocatalytic properties

The morphological, structural, micro-structural, optical, photoluminescence, magnetic and photocatalytic properties of pure and (Co, Sm) co-doped ZnS quantum dots (QDs) fabricated via hydrothermal route are presented and distinctly discussed. X-ray diffraction (XRD) as well as the micro-Raman analysis disclosed that both pure and co-doped QDs were effectively obtained with cubic phase. The transmission electron microscopy (TEM) images divulged the fabricated QDs were monodispersed and spherical shaped. A decline in the optical bandgap was obtained in the pure ZnS QDs after (Co, Sm) co-doping. The emission of ZnS was significantly quenched via (Co, Sm) co-doping. The (Co, Sm) co-doped ZnS QDs rendered higher photocatalytic degradation of Rhodamine B (RhB) dye under artificial solar simulator irradiation than pure ZnS QDs. Thus, (Co, Sm) co-doping is a promising route to obtain the enhanced PCD of the pure ZnS QDs for photocatalysis applications.