Tris(N-methylferrocenyl-N-(2-phenylethyl)dithiocarbamato-S,S′)cobalt(III) for anion sensing and preparation of cobalt-iron sulfide nanoparticles: A new photocatalyst for the degradation of dyes

Abstract

Tris(N-(pyrrol-2-ylmethyl)-N-butyldithiocarbamato-S,S′)cobalt(III) (1) and tris(N-methylferrocenyl-N-(2-phenylethyl)dithiocarbamato-S,S′)cobalt(III) (2) have been synthesized and characterized by elemental analysis and spectroscopy (IR, UV-vis and NMR). The elemental analysis and IR, ¹H and ¹³C NMR spectra are consistent with the formation of the cobalt(III) complexes with dithiocarbamate ligands. The anion binding properties of 1 and 2 based on host-guest interaction have been examined with the use of cyclic voltammetry.This study showed that both complexes preferred to bind with I^-compared to other halides. 2 has been used as precursors for the preparation of cobalt-iron sulfide nanoparticles. TEM image of cobalt-iron sulfide nanoparticles showed that the particles are spherical. The elemental compositions of the nanoparticles were confirmed by energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. IR spectral studies on nanoparticles confirm the presence of capping agent (triethylenetetramine). The nanoparticles were explored as photocatalysts to study the degradation of dyes using methylene blue and rhodamine-B in aqueous solution under UV irradiation. The cobalt-iron sulfide works as an efficient photocatalyst for degradation of rhodamine-B.

Graphical Abstract

Keywords:

• Anion sensing
• cobalt(III) dithiocarbamate
• cobalt-iron sulfide
• nanoparticles
• single source precursors

Acknowledgments

We are thankful to SAIF, Panjab University, Chandigarh, India, for recording TEM images.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Additional information

Funding

Dr. S. Thirumaran is thankful to University Grants Commission (UGC), India (F. No. 42-341/2013 (SR)) for providing fund for this research study. University Grants Commission, India.