Photocatalytic conversion of CO₂ into value-added hydrocarbon (methanol) with high selectivity over ZnS nanoparticles driven by 355-nm pulsed laser

In the present investigation, monochromatic 355-nm pulsed laser radiations generated by third harmonic of Nd:YAG laser (1,060 nm) were applied as an excitation light source for conversion of CO₂ into value-added hydrocarbon (methanol) with high selectivity over ZnS particles through photo-catalytic process. The microstructure and optical band absorption of as-prepared ZnS nanoparticles were characterized by means of XRD, UV-Vis absorption spectrum, TEM, SAED, and EDX spectrum. The effect of irradiation time as well as the pulsed laser energy on methanol yield and photoefficiency were investigated and discussed in detail. Furthermore, a possible mechanism for such conversion process is also discussed based on the band edge of ZnS semiconductor and the unique monochromatic characteristic of the adopted 355-nm pulsed laser.