Catalytic and photocatalytic remediation of toxic dye on hexagonal CuS/Cu2S nanoplates derived from a single source precursor

Abstract
Bis(4-(2-hydroxyethyl)piperazine-1-carbodithioato)copper(II) was synthesized and decomposed to hexagonal copper sulfide (CuS/Cu2S) nanoplates (NPs) under ambient conditions using ethylenediamine as a decomposing agent and solvent. The optical property (UV–Vis) and structural analysis (XRD, HRTEM, TEM, SAED, and EDS) revealed the formation of visible light active (2.24 eV) hexagonal nanoplates of mixed composition (CuS/Cu2S) with size varying from 310 to 890 nm. CuS/Cu2S nanoplates possess both catalytic and photocatalytic properties and degrade Congo red entirely (100%) both in dark and light. However, in the presence of light (80 min) the degradation is faster than in the dark (120 min). The degradation follows pseudo-first-order kinetics in the presence and absence of light. The kinetics also explain that the dye first adsorb on the surface of CuS/Cu2S and then is mineralized. Furthermore, CuS/Cu2S nanoplates were photostable with good reusability. Additionally, the environmentally benign nature, catalyst photocatalytic properties, complete dye degradation, and no generation of secondary pollutants make CuS/Cu2S nanoplates an excellent material for environmental cleansing.

Author
Rzgar Farooq Rashid

DOI
https://doi.org/10.1080/00958972.2024.2390171

Publisher
Journal of Coordination Chemistry

ISSN

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