Strong Interface Interaction of ZnO Nanosheets and MnS_x Nanoparticles Triggered by Light over Wide Ranges of Wavelength to Enhance Their Removal of VOCs

Round 1

Reviewer 1 Report

The submitted article is devoted to the study of the ZnO/MnS nanocomposites and is of interest to specialists in this field.

However, I cannot recommend this article for publication as presented, as it has many weak points.

1. The drawings are of very poor quality, you can't see anything. What does the label of the vertical axis in Fig. 4-12 (µA) (lg 10)? Why added lg 10?

2. Keywords: ZnO/ZnS should be replaced by ZnO/MnS

3. All the peaks within XRD patterns, especially several weak peaks are suggested to be indexed to the specific facets.

4. There are no elemental analysis results confirming the presence of synthesized phases. XPS and EDX data must be added.

It is necessary to present the results of the study of the morphology, composition, optical and photoelectrochemical and photocatalytic activity of the ZnO nanosheets. In the case of photocatalytic activity, a blank should be reported.

In fact, there is no convincing evidence about the composition and structure of the synthesized ZnO/MnS nanocomposites and their superiority over ZnO nanosheets.

Author Response

Dear Sir 

Thank you for your comments. The changes are shown in attachemnt.

Sincerely,

Xingfa Ma

Author Response File: Author Response.pdf

Reviewer 2 Report

Review (recommended major revision)

 

In this research manuscript, authors developed a ZnO nano-sheets/ MnS nanocomposite material, prepared by a hydrothermal synthesis method. They demonstrated that the ZnO nano-sheets/ MnS nanocomposite material produced notable photo-induced charge very easily in weak visible light. Corrections are still needed, nonetheless.

 

***uploaded review file***

Comments for author File: Comments.pdf

Review (recommended major revision)

 

In this research manuscript, authors developed a ZnO nano-sheets/ MnS nanocomposite material, prepared by a hydrothermal synthesis method. They demonstrated that the ZnO nano-sheets/ MnS nanocomposite material produced notable photo-induced charge very easily in weak visible light. Corrections are still needed, nonetheless.

 

***uploaded review file***

Author Response

Dear Sir 

Thank you for your comments. The changes are shown in attachment.

Sincerely,

Xingfa Ma

Author Response File: Author Response.pdf

Reviewer 3 Report

The manuscript titled "Strong Interface Interaction of ZnO Nanosheets and MnS Nanoparticles Triggered by Light in Wide Ranges of Wavelength and Enhancing Their Removal to VOCs" discusses the fabrication, characterization and VOC removal applications of a ZnO/MnS nanocomposite.

1.     Title is too broad 

2.     The introduction could benefit from a clearer and more concise statement of the research problem and its significance.

3.     Provide a schematic diagram for the synthesis of nanocomposite.

4.     The results regarding the extended absorbance of the nanocomposite into the NIR range are interesting, but the manuscript lacks an in-depth discussion of the underlying mechanisms responsible for this phenomenon. Elaborating on defect levels and their impact on the electronic structure of the nanocomposite would enhance the scientific understanding of the findings.

5.     Cite references: Photoconductive Behavior: Materials Science for Energy Technologies,2019, 2(2), 181-186 and Materials Chemistry and Physics. 2017, 189, 56-63.

6.     Some of the figures are low resolution and too bad. I suggest redrawing the figures where the resolution is not upto the mark. Because high-quality figures are essential for conveying the results effectively.

7.     Avoid typo errors.

8.     Control experiments (pure MnS and ZnO) are missing. Characterization (XRD, UV, etc.) results with composite required.

9.     What advantages does it offer over existing materials?

10.  Some sentences are lengthy and could be broken down for better readability.

Minor editing required.

Author Response

Dear Sir,

Thank you for your comments. The changes are shown in attachment.

Sincerely,

Xingfa Ma

Author Response File: Author Response.pdf

Round 2

Reviewer 1 Report

The authors have addressed majority of comments and revised the manuscript accordingly. However, I cannot recommend this article for publication in the form in which it is presented, since it still has weak points.

1. Fig. 4-12. The scale of the vertical axis of the chart is not logarithmic, so you do not need to add “lg 10” to the axis name.

 

  2. The authors changed the title of the manuscript. “MnS Nanoparticles” was replaced with “MnSx Nanoparticles”. I think it is advisable to make these changes throughout the text.

 3. It is necessary to present the results of the study of the photoelectrochemical and photocatalytic activity of the ZnO nanosheets. This is necessary to ensure the benefits of mixed systems. There are cases when the properties of mixed systems are worse than individual compounds. In this case, an explanation is needed. Without these data, it is impossible to assess the scientific and practical significance of this work.

 Therefore, in my opinion, the manuscript requires a major revision according to the comments before acceptance.

Author Response

Dear Sir,

Thank you for your comments. We have revised it according to your comments as soon as possible. Some explanations were added. The detail revision is shown in attachment.

Sincerely,

Xingfa Ma

Author Response File: Author Response.pdf