Abstract

Solvated two-dimensional nanosheets of copper hydroxy dodecylsulfate in 1-butanol react with thiourea under microwave irradiation to yield surfactant-free porous aggregates of CuS nanoparticles. These aggregates exhibit excellent photocatalytic activity toward degradation of methylene blue, methyl orange, and 4-chlorophenol in natural sunlight. While the high surface area (14.74 m2 g–1) and porosity increase the active reaction centers for adsorption and degradation of organic molecules, quantum confinement results in a low recombination of photogenerated electrons and holes. Chemical and photogenerated hydroxyl radicals cause the oxidation of the dyes and 4-chlorophenol.

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