The Use of Thin Films of Zns Nanoparticles Containing Copper to Destroy Toxic Methylene Blue Pigments

Pure and Cu doped ZnS (ZnS:Cu) nanoparticle thin films were synthesized by Successive Ion Layer Absorption and Reaction (SILAR) method. The obtained thin films were characterized by X-ray
diffractometer (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), FESEM and absorption spectra. The photocatalytic degradation of methylene blue (MB) dye molecules was evaluated by controlling the
concentration of MB solution using a UV-vis absorption spectrophotometer. Changes in Cu concentration in thin films of ZnS nanoparticles showed that a sample containing 2 wt% Cu is much more effective in degradation dye molecules. Experimental results showed that the degradation efficiency of photocatalytic thin films was 36% after 30 minutes of UV radiation and the highest degradation efficiency (56%) was obtained by increasing exposure time for 360 minutes.