Novel Cu_1‐xZn_xS (x=0,0.01, …, 0.1) Nanoparticles: Synthesis, Spectroscopic Analysis, Photocatalytic and Anticancer Activities

Abstract

CuS (CS) and Cu1‐xZnxS (CZS) nanoparticles (NPs) were synthesized for the first time by a hydrothermal method from decomposition of tris(thiourea) copper (I) sulphate complex with zinc nitrate hydrate for 8 hours at 140 °C. The products have been identified by using X‐Ray diffraction analysis (XRD). These XRD patterns showed that the CS and CZS nanoparticles have a well‐ordered covellite structure with high purities. Field emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM) showed that by increasing dopant concentration, the size of Cu1‐xZnxS (x=0.01, 0.05, 0.1) nanoparticles is increased. Optical properties and band gaps were calculated with diffuse reflectance spectra (DRS) and photoluminescence (Pl), so nanoparticles with high dopant concentration (x=10%) had less band gap values. In photocatalyst studies, the CZS (x=10%) species can remove 95% Methylene Blue (MB) in the presence of H2O2 under UV light in 90 minutes. Furthermore, the CZS (x=1% ‐ 10%) NPs have excellent potential to eliminate of Hep G2 cancer cells.

Morphology‐Controlled Synthesis of a Novel Cu−Zn−S−O Nanocomposite for Pollutant Removal by Synergistic Effect of Adsorption and Photocatalysis

“…Over the past few decades, the polynary alloy semiconductor nanomaterials have been widely explored [31–33] . For example, the copper‐based ternary or quaternary chalcogenides with large adsorption capacity, high radiation stability, low toxicity and earth‐abundant constituent elements has been considered as a promising alternative to conventional photocatalyst [34–37] . Additionally, compared to the binary semiconductors, the polynary alloy semiconductor nanomaterials not only inherit excellent performances from their parent materials, but also form new properties [38]…”

“…[31][32][33] For example, the copper-based ternary or quaternary chalcogenides with large adsorption capacity, high radiation stability, low toxicity and earth-abundant constituent elements has been considered as a promising alternative to conventional photocatalyst. [34][35][36][37] Additionally, compared to the binary semiconductors, the polynary alloy semiconductor nanomaterials not only inherit excellent performances from their parent materials, but also form new properties. [38] In this work, a novel CuÀ ZnÀ SÀ O nanocomposite has been synthesized for dye wastewater treatment under the synergistic effect of adsorption and photocatalysis.…”