ZIF-8 polyhedra derived ZnS nanoparticle for robust visible light induced Cr(VI) reduction

Zeolitic imidazolate framework-8 (ZIF-8) was employed as precursor to synthesize the zinc sulfide (ZnS) via a fast and facilely hydrothermal method with thioacetamide (TAA). It was found that the ZIF-8 polyhedron was destroyed into fine ZnS nanoparticles. The physicochemical properties of the ZnS were investigated by a series of methods and a desirable response to visible light of this ZnS nanoparticle was evidenced, possibly due to the small and fine particle as well as sulfur vacancy. By reducing Cr(VI) as a model reaction, this ZnS nanoparticle displayed more than four-fold higher apparent reaction rate compared to the ZnS directly synthesized by zinc nitrate hexahydrate and TAA. Moreover, a robust activity of this ZnS under natural sunlight was observed, implying a potential application in water disposal.