An effect of metal ions (Cu, Mn) doping on the structural, morphological, optical, photoluminescence, electrical and photocatalytic properties of In2S3 nanoparticles

Abstract

Pristine and Cu, Mn-doped In2S3 nanoparticles (NPs) were synthesized via a simple, elegant co-precipitation route. The dopant (Cu, Mn metal) influence on the structural, optical, photoluminescence and electrical properties were investigated. The (Cu, Mn) dope In2S3 exhibited polycrystalline XRD phases having particle sizes varying from 36.2 to 49 nm. We noted a substantial decrease in the crystallite size on dopant (Cu, Mn) incorporation in In2S3. From FE-SEM images, nanosheets, nanowires, and needle-like structures were observed. EDS elemental detection confirmed that In, Cu, Mn, and S elements are present in the produced NPs. The increment in bandgap (2.8–3.28 eV) was observed after the Cu, Mn doping in In2S3. Photoluminescence studies demonstrate the photoemission is mainly owing to the donor-acceptor pair transitions. The electrical conductivity decreases significantly with doping, and a maximum electrical conductivity of 1.28 × 10−6 (Ω m)−1 was obtained for pure In2S3 NPs. Mn-doped In2S3 exhibits the highest photocatalytic activity (84%) for Methylene blue.