Covellite CuS Research Articles

Metal Cation Valency Dependence in Morphology Evolution of Cu2-x S Nanodisk Seeds and Their Pseudomorphic Cation Exchanges.

A crucial parameter in the design of semiconductor nanoparticles (NPs) with controllable optical, magnetic, electronic, and catalytic properties is the morphology. Herein, we demonstrate the potential of additive metal cations with variable valency to direct the morphology evolution of copper-deficient Cu2-x S nanoparticles in the process of seed-mediated growth. In particular, the djurleite Cu1.94 S seed could evolve from disk into tetradecahedron in the presence of tin(IV) cations, whereas they merely formed sharp hexagonal nanodisks with tin(II) cations. In addition to djurleite Cu1.94 S, the tin(IV) cations could be generalized to direct the growth of roxbyite Cu1.8 S and covellite CuS nanodisk seeds into tetradecahedra. We further perform pseudomorphic cation exchanges of Cu1.94 S tetradecahedra with Zn2+ and Cd2+ to produce polyhedral zinc sulfide (ZnS) and cadmium sulfide (CdS) NPs. Moreover, we achieve Cu1.8 S/ZnS and Cu1.94 S/CdS tetradecahedral heterostructures via partial cation exchange, which are otherwise inaccessible by traditional synthetic approaches.

Preparation and Characterization of CuS Nanoparticles Prepared by Two-Phase Colloidal Method

In this paper, two-phase colloidal method was employed to synthesis CuS nanoparticles with different Cu : S ratios. The characterization of prepared CuS involves structural, morphological and optical properties analysis. X-Ray Diffractometer indicate that the covellite CuS have hexagonal structure. Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscope showed the formation of spherical nanostructure of CuS. UV-Visible Spectrophotometer showed the two absorption peaks of CuS nanoparticles one at UV-Visible region and the second at near infra-red region and the energy gap increase with sulfur content.

Effect of the Annealing Atmosphere on Crystal Phase and Thermoelectric Properties of Copper Sulfide.

Cu2-xS has become one of the most promising thermoelectric materials for application in the middle-high temperature range. Its advantages include the abundance, low cost, and safety of its elements and a high performance at relatively elevated temperatures. However, stability issues limit its operation current and temperature, thus calling for the optimization of the material performance in the middle temperature range. Here, we present a synthetic protocol for large scale production of covellite CuS nanoparticles at ambient temperature and atmosphere, and using water as a solvent. The crystal phase and stoichiometry of the particles are afterward tuned through an annealing process at a moderate temperature under inert or reducing atmosphere. While annealing under argon results in Cu1.8S nanopowder with a rhombohedral crystal phase, annealing in an atmosphere containing hydrogen leads to tetragonal Cu1.96S. High temperature X-ray diffraction analysis shows the material annealed in argon to transform to the cubic phase at ca. 400 K, while the material annealed in the presence of hydrogen undergoes two phase transitions, first to hexagonal and then to the cubic structure. The annealing atmosphere, temperature, and time allow adjustment of the density of copper vacancies and thus tuning of the charge carrier concentration and material transport properties. In this direction, the material annealed under Ar is characterized by higher electrical conductivities but lower Seebeck coefficients than the material annealed in the presence of hydrogen. By optimizing the charge carrier concentration through the annealing time, Cu2-xS with record figures of merit in the middle temperature range, up to 1.41 at 710 K, is obtained. We finally demonstrate that this strategy, based on a low-cost and scalable solution synthesis process, is also suitable for the production of high performance Cu2-xS layers using high throughput and cost-effective printing technologies.

Fabrication of Cu(BDC)0.5(BDC-NH2)0.5 metal-organic framework for superior H2S removal at room temperature

A mixed ligand Cu-based MOF, Cu(BDC)0.5(BDC-NH2)0.5 was synthesized by a rapid ultrasonication method for the adsorptive removal of hydrogen sulfide (H2S) gas at room temperature. The MOF has a sheet-like morphology with 100 nm thickness crystallized in the monoclinic symmetry (a = 11.27 Å, b = 14.82 Å, c = 7.95 Å, β = 110.8°) with C2/m space group. The surface area and pore volume was 19.4 m2 g−1 and 0.024 cm3 g−1, respectively. The XPS analysis confirmed a near equal proportion of Cu(I) and Cu(II)-sites in the MOF. The MOF showed the H2S adsorption capacity of 128.4 mg g−1 for 500 ppm of H2S flowing at a rate of 100 mL min−1, which is among the highest values reported for Cu-based MOFs. The spent MOF was regenerated by a methanol and UV-irradiation method, which significantly improved the adsorption capacity. The H2S adsorbed onto the MOF by breaking Cu-carboxylate bonds with the formation of covellite CuS nanoparticles and sulfates. The spectroscopic analysis predicted a Cu(OH)-type sites after UV-irradiation along with increased surface area, which were responsible for an enhanced adsorption capacity of the regenerated sample.

Versatile precursor-dependent copper sulfide nanoparticles as a multifunctional catalyst for the photocatalytic removal of water pollutants and the synthesis of aromatic aldehydes and NH-triazoles.

A series of copper sulfide (CS) nanoparticles (NPs) were synthesized just by varying the amount of the sulfur precursor and have been explored for the first time as a three-way heterogeneous catalyst in the photocatalytic oxidation of a number of aromatic alcohols, photocatalytic degradation and the reduction of water pollutants, and the facile synthesis of pharmaceutically important moiety 4-aryl-NH-1,2,3-triazoles. The green and novel protocol was successfully developed for the synthesis of covellite (CuS, Cu2+) and the covellite-villamaninite (CuS–CuS2) (copper in Cu2+, Cu1+) phases of copper sulfide, employing EDTA both as the chelating and capping agent via a simple precipitation method at room temperature using water as the solvent. A blue shift in the absorption spectra and band gap in the range of 2.02–2.07 eV prompted the investigation of the as-synthesized CS nanoparticles as the photocatalyst under visible light irradiation. In the absence of any oxidizing or reducing agent, covellite CuS nanoparticles showed the highest photocatalytic efficiency for the degradation of methylene blue (MB) and the reduction of carcinogenic and mutagenic Cr(vi) to non-toxic Cr(iii). Interestingly, the mixed phase of CS (CuS–CuS2), where Cu is present in both +1 and +2 oxidation states, was found to be the most efficient catalyst compared to CuS toward the visible light-mediated selective oxidation of various benzyl alcohols to their corresponding aldehydes. However, in the synthesis of substituted NH-1,2,3-triazoles, single-phase CS nanoparticles (i.e., CuS) provided the best catalytic result. This significant outcome certainly opens up the scope for realizing the present demand of low-cost multifunctional semiconductor nano-materials, which will have a huge impact on the economy and environment when they show more than two potential applications.

Sulfur Precursor Reactivity Affecting the Crystal Phase and Morphology of Cu2-x S Nanoparticles.

For plasmonic copper-deficient Cu2-x S nanoparticles (NPs), accurate control of the crystal phase and morphology is highly desirable as both of which are known to determine the localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) wavelength and amplitude. Here, how the sulfur precursor reactivity in the synthesis of Cu2-x S NPs affects the resulting crystal phase and morphology is examined. Djurleite Cu1.94 S, roxbyite Cu1.8 S, digenite Cu1.8 S as well as covellite CuS nanodisks were synthesized by using 1-dodecanethiol, N,N-dibutylthiourea, and crystal sulfur 1-octadecene/oleylamine solutions and their crystal phase dependent LSPR properties were exhaustively discussed. In addition, crystal phase interconversion between covellite CuS and djurleite/roxbyite Cu2-x S was realized in the presence of the above sulfur precursors. On the other hand, djurleite Cu1.94 S nanorods rather than nanodisks were prepared by replacing 1-dodecanethiol with more reactive tert-dodecanethiol. The structural and morphological Cu2-x S NPs here holds great promise in the application of photothermal therapy, photocatalysis, surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS), and many others.

Remarkable corrosion resumption of archaeological bronzes, induced by the oxidation of ternary Cu-Sn-S phases in atmosphere, after long-term burial with sulfides

A drastic alteration resumption observed on archaeological bronze objects was investigated, characterized by crystals growing under the surface of the objects, inducing cracks, desquamation and detachment of patina scales. Analyses shown that artefacts were covered by a thick layer of covellite CuS, which proved to be air-stable. On the contrary, Cu-Sn-S compounds (mohite and kuramite), replacing the alloy in the bulk, showed an extreme reactivity towards air and a rapid transformation into hydrated copper sulfates. This phenomenon was unknown in the restoration field and an overall alteration process, from abandonment until exhibition, implying occurrence mechanisms of alteration products, is proposed.

Heat-treatment-induced development of the crystalline structure and chemical stoichiometry of a CuxS counter electrode, and the influence on performance of quantum-dot-sensitized solar cells

Recently, various phases of CuxS (1 ≤ x ≤ 2) were extensively explored as superb counter electrode (CE) materials for quantum dot-sensitized solar cells (QDSSCs). Herein, hexagonal covellite CuS (HC-CuS) with hierarchical nanostructure was grown on porous Ti substrates by chemical bath deposition, and then heat treated in the temperature range of 150–450 °C under N2 atmosphere. The reaction process and the evolution of morphology, composition and crystalline structure of CuxS with the variation of heat treatment temperature were studied by XRD, SEM, EDX, TEM and XPS. The photovoltaic properties of TiO2/CdS/CdSe QDSSCs based on CuxS CEs showed an obvious dependence on the element stoichiometry and crystalline structure of the CuxS. With HC-Cu1.28S heat-treated at 230 °C as CEs, QDSSCs achieved a power conversion efficiency of 3.88% under one sun illumination (100 mW cm−2, AM 1.5 G), which was higher than the counterparts with other compositions. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, Tafel polarization and cyclic voltammetry measurement showed that the electrocatalytic activity of HC-Cu1.28S CE was much higher than that of other CuxS CEs, which supported the results of the enhanced short-circuit current density, open circuit voltage and filling factor.

Structural, Optical and Electrical Properties of Eu-doped CuS Nanoparticles Synthesized Through the Aqueous Route

Eu-doped CuS nanoparticles stabilized by L-cysteine were synthesized by a low-temperature soft aqueous route. X-Ray Diffraction (XRD) patterns of the synthesized products reveal the formation of the hexagonal structure of covellite CuS. Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) images depict that the as-prepared nanoparticles exhibit relatively sphere like shaped morphology. Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) analyses show that the average size of the nanoparticles was found to be reduced with increasing the Eu concentration. UV-Visible optical absorption measurements reveal that the optical band gap is increased with increasing the Eu concentration, showing the presence of a blue shift due to quantum size effects. Impedance spectra were well modelled by introducing an electrical equivalent circuit. The electrical conductivity was found to be increased with increasing the Eu concentration. The temperature dependence of the DC conductivity confirmed the semiconducting nature of the as-prepared nanoparticles and was found to obey the Arrhenius law with two activation energies. The frequency dependence of the AC conductivity has been analyzed by Jonscher’s power law suggesting the non-overlapping small polaron tunneling (NSPT) type of conduction. The polaron hopping energy was found to be increased with increasing the Eu concentration. The dielectric constant of the as-synthesized nanoparticles was found to be decreased with the increase in Eu concentration. The dielectric loss tangent was found to be decreased and then increased at higher frequencies with increasing the Eu concentration.

Facile synthesis of CuS/MXene nanocomposites for efficient photocatalytic hydrogen generation

Deposition of covellite CuS nanocrystals on the multilayered MXene and few-layered MXene by a facile reaction of S2− with Cu2+ precursors to obtain 0D/2D nanocomposites.

Photodegradation of Methylene Blue Dye Using Nanocomposites of Copper Sulfide Doped with Fe/Cd/Zr as Nanophotocatalyst

Objectives: To characterize and to know the nature of the synthesized products and identify the photocatalytic response of the hybrid nanocomposites was investigated by the decolourization of (MB) dye under natural Sunlight radiation. Methods/statistical analysis: We report fabrication of mesoporous nanocomposites (Fe–CuS, Cd–CuS, Zr–CuS) with uniform nanostructures via a hydrothermal method employing copper nitrate trihydrate (Cu (NO3).3H2O), Thiourea (Tu,Sc(NH2)2, Iron trinitrate (Fe(No3)3), (Cd(No3)3) and (Zr(No3)3) as starting materials with cationic surfactant cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) as stabilizer/ size controller and ethylene glycol as solvent at 130˚C temperature. The products were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Transmission Electron Microscopy TEM, and UV-Vis spectrum (UV) analysis. Findings: X-ray diffraction (XRD) spectra confirmed the Fe doped copper sulfide nanocomposites are crystalline in nature with the hexagonal CuS phase. XRD pattern showed Fe doped spherical structure of CuS with a grain size of 21 nm. An intense surface Plasmon resonance between 250–300 nm in the UV–Vis spectrum clearly reveals the formation of Fe doped copper sulfide nanocomposites. The XRD pattern of Cd incorporated CuS shows crystallite nature and crystallinity increases with the addition of cadmium on CuS. The observed results show that Zr is homogeneously dispersed on CuS and well separated from one another. The XRD results confirm the presence of well-dispersed cubic ZrS2 on the covellite CuS surface. Photo reactivity of copper sulfide nanoparticles as undoped and doped with ferrous, cadmium and Zirconium were studied in the decolorization of methylene blue under natural sunlight. The concentration of dopants and concentration of dye are variables that influence the photoreactivity of nanocatalysts. Application/improvements: The prepared nanoparticles CuS, Fe–CuS, Cd–CuS and Zr–CuS show the most degradation efficiency. The optimum dosage of the photocatalyst was 120 mg/L. In the optimized conditions, the degradation efficiency was 86–95% for methylene blue in irradiation time of 150 min.Keywords: Nanophotocatalyst, Copper Sulfide, Methylene Blue, Photodegradation.

Combinatorial Tuning of Structural and Optoelectronic Properties in CuxZn1−xS

Summary P-type transparent conductors (TCs) are important enabling materials for optoelectronics and photovoltaics, but their performance still lags behind n-type counterparts. Recently, semiconductor CuxZn1−xS has demonstrated potential as a p-type TC, but it remains unclear how properties vary with composition. Here, we investigate CuxZn1−xS across the entire alloy space (0 ≤ x ≤ 1) using combinatorial sputtering and high-throughput characterization. First, we find a metastable wurtzite alloy at an intermediate composition between cubic endpoint compounds, contrasting with solid solutions or cubic composites (ZnS:CuyS) from the literature. Second, structural transformations correlate with shifts in hole conductivity and absorption; specifically, conductivity increases at the wurtzite phase transformation (x ≈ 0.19). Third, conductivity and optical transparency are optimized within a "TC regime" of 0.10

Synthesis, characterization and examination of photocatalytic performance of hexagonal covellite CuS nanoplates

Copper sulphide (CuS) powder was prepared in a large-scale by precipitation of Cu2+ cations in aqueous solution by gaseous hydrogen sulphide (H2S). XRD and Raman analyses confirmed that precipitated CuS particles possess single crystal phase structure corresponding to mineral covellite with the metallic-like conductivity 3.6 × 103 S cm−1. The powder consisted of non-porous hexagonal nanoplates with specific surface area 19.4 m2 g−1, which can be mainly accounted to {110} crystal plane.In order to shed light into ambiguous reports, covellite photocatalytic effectivity was re-examined. It was revealed, that CuS nanoplates exhibit relatively high adsorption capacity of cationic dye tested, while rate of photocatalytic decomposition of model dye under UV light is negligible if any at all. On the other hand, addition of small amount of H2O2 greatly enhanced the rate of degradation reaction. Furthermore, the reaction proceeds at the same rate even in the dark condition, thus the light is not prerequisite for the dye degradation. From this point of view, the covellite CuS cannot be considered as photocatalyst, but rather as an oxidation catalyst. Moreover, covellite powder exposed to dilute peroxide solution was fully oxidized to Posnjakite Cu4(SO4)(OH)6(H2O) at room temperature in 24 h.

Nanocomposites of Copper Sulphide and Graphene Oxide for High-Performance Supercapacitors

Supercapacitors or electrochemical capacitors are receiving greater interest because of their high-power density, long life, low maintenance, and safer operation. The low energy density of such devices needs to improve. In this work, copper sulfide (CuS), a cheap and environment-friendly compound, is used along with graphene oxide (GO) to provide high energy and power densities. CuS nanoparticles and its nanocomposites with GO was synthesized using a facile method for supercapacitor applications. For the synthesis of CuS, an appropriate amount of copper acetate was dissolved in a water-butanol solution for 30 minutes followed by the addition of thiourea. The final solution was then transferred into Teflon-lined stainless-steel autoclave and heated at 180oC for 24 hours. The resulting participate of CuS was recovered using a centrifuge, washed with DI water, and dried in air for 24 hours. A similar procedure was followed for the synthesis of CuS-GO nanocomposite with the addition of appropriate amount of GO in the water-butanol solution prior to the addition of copper acetate and thiourea. Phase purity of the synthesized materials was determined by using X-ray diffraction (XRD) studies. XRD patterns of CuS showed the peaks at 2θ angle of 10.38o, 28.42o, 28.88o, 32.48o, 33.18o, 46.54o, 48.28o, and 59.68o corresponding to (100), (101), (102), (006), (110), (108), (116) planes, respectively, which indicates the covellite CuS hexagonal structure [1,2]. There were no additional peaks found in the XRD pattern of CuS-GO composite, confirming the phase purity of the synthesized materials. TEM images revealed nano-scale morphology of the synthesized particles. The particle size of CuS and CuS/GO composite were found as 95.11 nm, and 64.70 nm, respectively. All the electrochemical measurements were conducted in standard three-electrode configuration, using a platinum wire as a counter electrode and Hg/HgO as a reference electrode. CuS and its composite with graphene oxide on nickel foam were used as working electrodes. All the electrochemical measurements were performed in 3M KOH solution. Electrochemical properties of the synthesized samples were investigated using cyclic voltammetry and galvanostatic charge-discharge studies. The specific capacitance was calculated from cyclic voltammogram, obtained at various scan rate between 10 - 300 mV/s. The specific capacitance of CuS and CuS-GO nanocomposite was found to be 400 and 600 F/g, respectively at a scan rate of 10 mV/s. The detailed results on synthesis, physical, and electrochemical characterization will be presented.

Electrical properties and spectroscopic ellipsometry studies of covellite CuS thin films deposited from non ammoniacal chemical bath

In this paper, CuS thin films with good adherence and of different thickness in the range of 450–800 nm were prepared by chemical bath deposition method without using ammonia. The precursor solution was made by mixing copper (II) chloride, sodium thiosulfate, dimethylthiourea and deionized water. The bath temperature was kept at 65 °C and deposition time was varied from 3 h to 6 h with an increment step of 1 h to obtain different film thickness. A post annealing step in N2 atmosphere at 200 °C for 30 min was employed to improve the crystallinity and grain recrystallization of the films. X-ray diffraction and Raman scattering analysis revealed a hexagonal covellite structure in the films. However, the formation of secondary phases in trace amount and lower degree of crystallinity were detected for lower deposition time. FESEM images showed the formation of elongated needle-like particles which were distributed uniformly over the surface. The average length of the particles are in the range of 450–500 nm. The effect of deposition time on the optical properties was evaluated and the optical band gap values were found to be in the range of 2.26–2.55 eV. Variable-angle spectroscopic ellipsometry studies were performed to determine the optical constants including inter-band transitions in CuS films. The dependence of deposition time on the electrical properties of the films were evaluated by Hall Effect measurement showing a systematic decrease in film resistivity with increased deposition time.

Optical Properties of Cu2ZnSnS4 (CZTS) Made By SILAR Method

Abstract Copper Zinc Tin Sulphide (CZTS) is synthesized using Successive Ionic Layer Adsorption and Reaction (SILAR) method and compared with the Chemical Bath deposition (CBD) method. Thin films on glass substrate formed by the SILAR method are found to give better deposition in water solvent than ethanol. No deposition forms if the acidity of the solvent is not reduced. 100 SILAR cycles give a band gap of 1.54 eV with water as solvent. EDX results show that alkalinity of the solvent reduces the presence of tin in the adsorbed deposition. XRD results show the formation of CZTS and a secondary phase of covellite CuS. SEM image shows formation of porous grains in the SILAR process and rod like structures in the CBD process. The grain size in SILAR synthesized CZTS is found to increase with increase in the number of SILAR cycles. The importance of pH of the cation bath and the concentration of the precursor salts are crucial to the growth of thin film CZTS by the SILAR method

Ag+-Induced Shape and Composition Evolution of Covellite CuS Nanoplatelets To Produce Plate–Satellite and Biconcave−Particle Heterostructures

The creation of novel metal sulfide nanostructures and heterostructures by incorporating heterocations into template copper sulfide nanocrystals (NCs) is an important and intriguing area of colloidal synthesis. In contrast with typical incorporation using divalent, trivalent, and tetravalent cations, the mechanism for incorporation of monovalent Ag+ into copper sulfide NCs is less clear. In this work, we prepared new types of heterostructures by incorporating Ag+ into covellite CuS nanoplatelets (NPls). The incorporation process depended strongly on the initial Ag+ concentration. When a relatively small amount of Ag+ was provided (0.1 mmol, roughly 20% of the Cu present in the template NPls), CuS–Ag2S plate–satellite heterostructures were produced by cation exchange (CE) reactions occurring at the corners of the template hexagonal NPls. In contrast, biconcave–particle Ag2S–Ag heterostructures were obtained via the nanoscale Kirkendall effect when starting with 0.5 mmol of Ag+. Our observations indicate that the Ag+ incorporation process is also template-dependent. A redox process involving disulfide bonds in CuS is essential for producing Ag2S domains, rather than forming a ternary Ag–Cu–S phase, which was the result when djurleite Cu1.94S NPls were treated with Ag+. These results and mechanistic discussions not only provide a better understanding of a complex cation incorporation and crystal phase transition process but also provide a means to design new copper sulfide-based heterostructures.

Copper Sulfide-Based Plasmonic Photothermal Membrane for High-Efficiency Solar Vapor Generation.

Solar vapor generation has attracted tremendous attention as one of the most efficient ways of utilizing solar energy. It is highly desirable to develop low-cost, eco-friendly, and high-efficiency solar absorbers for practical applications of solar vapor generation. Herein, a three-dimensional plasmonic covellite CuS hierarchical nanostructure has been synthesized as the light-absorbing material via a facile one-pot hydrothermal method for structurally integrated solar absorbers with microporous poly(vinylidene fluoride) membrane (PVDFM) as the supporting material. A broadband and highly efficient light absorption has been achieved in the wavelength of 300-2500 nm, along with high water evaporation efficiencies of 90.4 ± 1.1 and 93.3 ± 2.0% under 1 and 4 sun irradiation, respectively. Meanwhile, stable performance has been demonstrated for over 20 consecutive runs without much performance degradation. To the best of our knowledge, this is the highest performance among the copper sulfide-based solar absorbers. With the additional features of low-cost and convenient fabrication, this plasmonic solar absorber exhibits a tremendous potential for practical solar vapor generation.

Functions of 1-Dodecanethiol in the Synthesis and Post-Treatment of Copper Sulfide Nanoparticles Relevant to Their Photocatalytic Applications

Copper-deficient, nonstoichiometric copper sulfide (Cu2–xS, x > 0) nanoparticles (NPs) have been explored as an important hole-based plasmonic material because of their size, morphology, carrier density, and crystal-phase-dependent localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) properties. In synthesis of Cu2–xS NPs, alkyl thiols containing sulfur element such as 1-dodecanethiol, C12H25SH (1-DDT), are well-utilized sulfur sources. In addition to the sulfur element in 1-DDT molecules, soft base S2–, linear hydrocarbon chain CH3(CH2)11–, and the proton in the −SH group may provide unique functions in the synthesis and post-treatment of Cu2–xS NPs. Here, we systematically demonstrate the ability of 1-DDT molecules to act as sulfur source and capping ligand for low-chalcocite Cu2S nanodisks (NDs), and size controller for covellite CuS NDs in the process of synthesis. These CuS NDs can be applied as electron donor and hole acceptor to improve the efficiency of photocatalytic reactions. Furthermore, in the post-tre...

Sonochemically Assembled Photoluminescent Copper-Modified Graphene Oxide Microspheres.

A new accessible sonochemical assembly method is developed for the preparation of photoluminescent oil-filled silica@CuS/Cu2O/CuO-graphene oxide (GO) microspheres that emit light of green, yellow, and red colors. This method is based on the ultrasonic emulsification of a biphasic mixture consisting of CuS/Cu2O/CuO-graphene oxide (GO) nanocomposites with poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) (aqueous phase) and tetraethyl orthosilicate with sunflower oil (organic phase). CuS/Cu2O/CuO-GO nanocomposites are composed of sonochemically formed three phases of copper: covellite CuS (p-type semiconductor), cuprite Cu2O (Bloch p-type semiconductor), and CuO (charge-transfer insulator). The photoluminescence properties of microspheres result from H-bridging between PVA and CuS/Cu2O/CuO-GO nanostructures, light absorption ability of Cu2O, and charge-transfer insulation by CuO. Substitution of PVA by S-containing methylene blue quenches fluorescence by enhanced dye adsorption on CuS/Cu2O/CuO-GO because of CuS and induced charge transfer. Non-S-containing malachite green is in a nonionized form and tends to be in the oil phase, prohibiting the charge transfer on CuS/Cu2O/CuO-GO.