Boosting electrochemical and photocatalytic performance of Cadmium Sulfide/Zinc Telluride nanocomposites via Nickel doping

Abstract

Nanocomposites offer boosted performance for electrochemical energy storage and photocatalytic applications in response to the rising need for effective and sustainable energy storage solutions. In this study, multifunctional Nickel-doped Cadmium Sulfide/Zinc Telluride (Ni-CdS/ZnTe) nanocomposites were fabricated using a sonochemical approach to improve energy storage and enhance photocatalytic activity. The optimized sample (5 % Ni-CdS/ZnTe nanocomposites) displayed boosted photocatalytic activity and degraded MB, MO, and RhB dyes up to 98.74 %, 99.71 %, and 95.03 %, respectively in 45 min of exposure to visible light. For the first time, the electrochemical properties of Ni-CdS/ZnTe nanocomposites were also investigated. The 5 % Ni-CdS/ZnTe nanocomposite-based electrode exhibited an impressive specific capacitance of 517.6F/g, a remarkable energy density of 17.97 W h/Kg, and a boosted power density of 250 W/kg at a current density of 1 A/g. These findings offer new possibilities for the utilization of Ni-CdS/ZnTe nanocomposites in environment and energy storage applications.