Shape-controlled synthesis of CuS as a Fenton-like photocatalyst with high catalytic performance and stability

Abstract

Constructing a novel excellent catalytic performance and high stability visible-light driven photocatalyst is significant for degrading organic pollutants. Copper sulfide (CuS) is a typical p-type semiconductor of Transition metal sulfides (TMS), which exhibits outstanding properties owing to its narrow band gap. In this paper, CuS with different shapes of Graphene-nanosheets (GNs), Micron-rods (MRs) and Nano-flowers (NFs) were successfully synthesized by changing the concentration of precursors in the hydrothermal route. The structural, morphology, surface elements, specific surface area and optical porosity of products were characterized via X-ray diffraction (XRD), field emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray photoelectron spectrometer (XPS), Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET), UV–vis spectra and PL spectra, respectively. Then, photocatalytic degradation of RhB and MB were investigated of the as-fabricated samples. The CuS-GNs shows more outstanding catalytic activity than CuS-MRs and CuS-NFs owing to the larger specific surface area (39.9 m2g−1) and the lower band-gap (2.26 eV). The CuS-GNs were able to degrade 100% of RhB and 99.8% of MB, respectively within 30 min. Additionally, the CuS-GNs can retain high catalytic activity after four cycles. Importantly, based on Fenton-like and photocatalytic reactions, the photocatalytic mechanism of the CuS-GNs was studied. The as-prepared CuS-GNs have promising prospect as an ideal recyclable catalyst for the degradation of organic pollutants under visible light in neutral conditions.