Rapid industrialization and urbanization have intensified global water contamination, necessitating sustainable and cost-effective treatment solutions. Semiconductor-based photocatalysis, which utilizes solar energy for advanced oxidation processes, offers a promising green technology. This study focuses on the synthesis of transparent zinc sulfide (ZnS) ultra-thin nanostructured films via chemical bath deposition (CBD) and their application in the photocatalytic degradation of methyl red dye, a common organic pollutant. The structural, morphological, and optical properties of ZnS films were analyzed using XRD, FESEM, and EDAX. XRD confirmed the cubic zinc blende structure with high crystallinity, a 19.11 nm average crystallite size, low dislocation density (0.0036 nm⁻²), and minimal microstrain (0.0018), enhancing photocatalytic performance. FESEM revealed a uniform nanorod morphology with increased surface area and efficient charge carrier dynamics, while EDAX verified the films elemental purity. Using ultraviolet radiation from sunlight, ZnS films achieved 97% degradation of methyl red within 60 minutes. This exceptional photocatalytic performance is attributed to their high crystallinity, optimized nanostructure, and photothermal properties, which enhanced photon absorption, reduced electronhole recombination, and facilitated reactive oxygen species generation. This research highlights the potential of transparent ZnS ultra-thin nanostructured films as an efficient and sustainable photocatalyst for advanced water treatment applications, leveraging sunlight for eco-friendly and energy-efficient dye degradation. These findings contribute significantly to global efforts in environmental remediation and sustainable water purification.
Keywords: Zinc Sulfide (ZnS) Thin Films; Dye Degradation; Photocatalysts; Water Purification;