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.

 

Keywords:

• CuS/Cu₂S nanoplates
• catalysis
• photocatalysis
• environmental remediation

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Funding

The authors would like to acknowledge the funding support by the Researchers Supporting Project number (RSP2024R371), King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Also the authors extend their appreciation to the Higher Education Commission of Pakistan for financial support.