CuS Nanoparticles Research Articles

In Vivo Assimilation of CuS, Iron Oxide and Iron Oxide@CuS Nanoparticles in Mice: A 6-Month Follow-Up Study.

Nanoparticles (NPs) are at the leading edge of nanomedicine, and determining their biosafety remains a mandatory precondition for biomedical applications. Herein, we explore the bioassimilation of copper sulfide NPs reported as powerful photo-responsive anticancer therapeutic agents. The nanoparticles investigated present a hollow shell morphology, that can be left empty (CuS NPs) or be filled with an iron oxide flower-like core (iron oxide@CuS NPs), and are compared with the iron oxide nanoparticles only (iron oxide NPs). CuS, iron oxide@CuS and iron oxide NPs were injected in 6-week-old mice, at doses coherent with an antitumoral treatment. Cu and Fe were quantified in the liver, spleen, kidneys, and lungs over 6 months, including the control animals, thus providing endogenous Cu and Fe levels in the first months after animal birth. After intravenous NPs administration, 77.0 ± 3.9% of the mass of Cu injected, and 78.6 ± 3.8% of the mass of Fe, were detected in the liver. In the spleen, we found 3.3 ± 0.6% of the injected Cu and 3.8 ± 0.6% for the Fe. No negative impact was observed on organ weight, nor on Cu or Fe homeostasis in the long term. The mass of the two metals returned to the control values within three months, a result that was confirmed by transmission electron microscopy and histology images. This bioassimilation with no negative impact comforts the possible translation of these nanomaterials into clinical practice.

Copper (II) Heterocyclic Thiosemicarbazone Complexes as Single-Source Precursors for the Preparation of Cu9S5 Nanoparticles: Application in Photocatalytic Degradation of Methylene Blue

In this study, two copper(II) complexes, [Cu(C6H8N3S2)2]Cl2 (1) and [Cu(C7H10N3S2)2]Cl2·H2O (2), were synthesized from 2-(thiophen-2-ylmethylene)hydrazine-1-carbothioamide (L1H) and 2-(1-(thiophen-2-yl)ethylidene)hydrazine-1-carbothioamide (L2H) respectively and characterized using various spectroscopic techniques and elemental analyses. The as-prepared complexes were used as single-source precursors for the synthesis of oleylamine-capped (OLA@CuxSy), hexadecylamine-capped (HDA@CuxSy), and dodecylamine-capped (DDA@CuxSy) copper sulphide nanoparticles (NPs) via the thermolysis method at 190 °C and 230 °C and then characterized using powder X-ray diffraction (p-XRD), UV-visible spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The p-XRD diffraction patterns confirmed the formation of crystalline rhombohedral digenite Cu9S5 with the space group R-3m. The TEM images showed the formation of nanoparticles of various shapes including hexagonal, rectangular, cubic, truncated-triangular, and irregularly shaped Cu9S5 nanomaterials. The SEM results showed aggregates and clusters as well as the presence of pores on the surfaces of nanoparticles synthesized at 190 °C. The UV-visible spectroscopy revealed a general blue shift observed in the absorption band edge of the copper sulphide NPs, as compared to bulk CuxSy, with energy band gaps ranging from 2.52 to 3.00 eV. Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) confirmed the elemental composition of the Cu9S5 nanoparticles. The nanoparticles obtained at 190 °C and 230 °C were used as catalysts for the photocatalytic degradation of methylene blue (MB) under UV irradiation. Degradation rates varying from 47.1% to 80.0% were obtained after 90 min of exposure time using only 10 mg of the catalyst, indicating that Cu9S5 nanoparticles have potential in the degradation of organic pollutants (dyes).

CuS nanoparticles with superior sonocatalytic performance in degradation of dye

In this manuscript, sonocatalytic catalytic efficiency of CuS nanoparticles (NPs) is analysed for degradation of dye. CuS NPs acts as equally outstanding sonocatalyst for both cationic and anionic dye. In the process of degradation of both dyes, the catalytic efficiency of CuS NPs is examined by studying the change in absorption peak of dye by using UV–visible spectrophotometer. The consequence of factors like dopant dose, initial pH of reaction mixture and starting dye concentration on sonocatalytic efficiency of CuS NPs was explored. CuS NPs demonstrated brilliant degradation of both dyes in presence of ultrasonic waves. It is seen that Kinetics followed by degradation of dye process is pseudo First order. The velocity constant for both dyes were productively calculated. Reusability experiments of CuS NPs were conducted to check their utility. Value of rate constant for sonocatalysis is high.

First time proficient use of CuS nanoparticles as photcatalyst for degradation of both anionic and cationic dye

In this current manuscript focus is on catalytic efficiency of CuS nanoparticles (NPs). CuS NPs acts as equally outstanding photocatalyst for both cationic and anionic dye. In the process of degradation of both dyes, the catalytic efficiency of CuS NPs is examined by analysing the change in absorption peak of dye by using UV–visible spectrophotometer. The consequence of factors like dopant dose, initial pH of dye solution and initial concentration of dye on photocatalytic efficiency of CuS NPs was explored. CuS NPs demonstrated brilliant degradation of both dyes in presence of UV– visible irradiations. Pseudo-first order kinetics is followed by the degradation process. The velocity constant for both process were productively calculated. Reusability experiments of CuS Nps were conducted to check their utility. Value of rate constant for photocatalysis is high.

A bifunctional nanocrystal surface: Integration of slow release of copper cations and providing active catalytical sites

Nanoparticles represent an interesting platform that demonstrates properties absent from bulk materials. Although the employment of nanoparticles for environmental remediation has attracted tremendous attentions in both scientific research and industrial applications, there is still a huge gap between the clear mechanism understandings and their deliverable activities due to the complex reaction kinetics. Herein, we report the synthesis of high-quality, monodispersed Cu7S4 nanoparticles as a model nano system to investigate the degradation mechanism of organic pollutants. The morphology, chemical composition and atomic structure of the as-prepared Cu7S4 have been characterized by Transmission Electron Microscope (TEM), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), X-ray powder diffractometer (XRPD) and Fourier transform infrared spectra (FT-IR). In addition, it is revealed that the Cu7S4 particles can effectively degrade organic pollutants, like Orange I and Orange II through a slow and controllable release of Cu cations process coupled with surface catalysis. The detailed study shows that the small amounts of released Cu cations from Cu7S4 nanoparticles are first coordinated with the organic pollutants and the resultant complexes are then degraded on the surface of nanoparticles in the presence of H2O2.

Application of magnetic activated carbon coated with CuS nanoparticles as a new adsorbent for the removal of tetracycline antibiotic from aqueous solutions (isotherm, kinetic and thermodynamic study)

Application of magnetic activated carbon coated with CuS nanoparticles as a new adsorbent for the removal of tetracycline antibiotic from aqueous solutions (isotherm, kinetic and thermodynamic study)

Enhanced Thermoelectric Performance of N-Type Bi2te2.7se0.3 Commercial Materials by Incorporating Cus Nanoparticles

Enhanced Thermoelectric Performance of N-Type Bi2te2.7se0.3 Commercial Materials by Incorporating Cus Nanoparticles

Chiral CuS nanoparticles and their photothermal properties

Chiral CuS NPs were prepared through a ligand-exchange process and CPL-controlled photothermal performance was realized.

Rational construction of ZnO/CuS heterostructures-modified PVDF nanofiber photocatalysts with enhanced photocatalytic activity.

PVDF/ZnO/CuS photocatalysts with ZnO/CuS heterojunctions were synthesized via electrospinning, hydrothermal, and ion-exchange techniques. As matrix materials, electrospun PVDF nanofibers are easy to be recycled and reused. ZnO nanorods anchored on PVDF nanofiber with high specific surface area provide abundant active reaction sites for photocatalysis. While the loaded CuS nanoparticles as a photosensitizer compensate the low quantum efficiency of ZnO and improve the visible-light photocatalytic efficiency. As a result, the PVDF/ZnO/CuS composited photocatalyst exhibits outstanding photocatalytic performance in exposure to UV and visible light owing to the suppressed recombination of electron-hole pairs and widened visible light absorption range. The kinetic constants of PVDF/ZnO/CuS nanocomposites under UV irradiation (9.01 × 10-3 min-1) and visible light (6.53 × 10-3 min-1) irradiation were 3.66 and 2.53 times higher than that of PVDF/ZnO (2.46 × 10-3 min-1 & 2.58 × 10-3 min-1), respectively. Furthermore, PVDF/ZnO/CuS nanocomposites demonstrate excellent robustness in terms of recycling and reuse, which is advantageous in practical applications.

Electro-optical characteristics of cholesteric liquid crystal films based on CuS nanoparticles

The CuS nanoparticles (NPs) coated by poly(vinylpyrrolidone) (PVP) layer were doped into bistable liquid crystal (LC) film to provide an electric, thermal or optical phase-shift controllable films. The CuS/PVP NPs could form a compatible NIR absorbing film, which could generate heat to switch LC film from planar texture to focal conic texture. The appropriate content of CuS/PVP NPs was provided to achieve fast thermal response, satisfactory dispersion and clear display brightness. The novel LC film containing 0.8 wt.% CuS/PVP NPs could save almost 51% time at thermal elimination, comparing to LC mixture without NIR absorbent. The hybrid organic-inorganic functional bistable LC material reported here extend and open up new application of LC writing tablets.

Cascade Tumor Therapy Platform for Sensitized Chemotherapy and Penetration Enhanced Photothermal Therapy.

As a stand-alone therapy strategy may not be sufficient for effective cancer treatment and a combination of chemotherapy with other therapies is a main trend in cancer treatment. A combination of chemotherapy and photothermal therapy (PTT) is reported here to achieve the goal of cascade multistage cancer treatment. A thermally responsive amphiphilic copolymer is designed and then a CuS nanoparticles (NPs)-based carbon monoxide (CO) photoinduced release system and doxorubicin (Dox) are encapsulated to construct the nanomedicine. The large-sized nanomedicine can accumulate in tumors after long circulation in vivo and will generate heat to act as a photothermal therapeutic agent by near infrared (NIR) light. Moreover, synergically release of CO and Dox is achieved and acted as a sensitized chemotherapeutic agent. The combination of PTT and chemotherapy sensitization can effectively eliminate active tumor cells in the periphery of the tumor. CuS NPs are also released after the degradation of nanomedicine and small-sized CuS NPs possess better tumor penetration and achieve penetration-enhanced PTT by further NIR irradiation, thereby effectively eliminating tumor cells inside solid tumors. Hence, cascade multistage cancer treatment of "combined PTT and chemotherapy sensitization"-"penetration-enhanced PTT" is achieved, and tumor cells are comprehensively and effectively eliminated.

Graphene@Metal Sulfide/Oxide Nanocomposites as Novel Photo‐Fenton‐like Catalysts for 4‐Nitrophenol Degradation

AbstractHerein, S‐doped graphene flakes‐based composites with Fe3O4 and/or CuS nanoparticles (NPs) are reported as photo‐Fenton catalysts for the 4‐nitrophenol (4‐NP) degradation. The S‐doped graphene flakes (S‐GF) were prepared using a thermal treatment approach, and the nanocomposites by the in situ growth of Fe3O4 and/or CuS onto the S‐GF scaffold. The characterization methods confirmed the formation of two‐ and three‐components nanocomposites. The Fe3O4 NPs presented a cubic inverse spinel structure and the CuS phases a covellite structure, both with smaller crystallite sizes in the nanocomposites. The new nanocomposites showed higher ability to catalyze the photo‐Fenton 4‐NP degradation than the individual components. The S‐GF@CuS−Fe3O4 nanocomposite exhibited the best catalytic activity: 95.2 % of 4‐NP degradation, a kinetic of pseudo‐first order (k=0.016 min−1), high photo‐Fenton catalytic stability and catalyst's composition/structure preservation. The CuS NPs showed an important role in the photo‐Fenton‐like catalytic activity improvement.

Synergistically Enhanced Thermoelectric Performance of Cu2SnSe3-Based Composites via Ag Doping Balance.

As an ecofriendly and low-cost thermoelectric material, Cu2SnSe3 has recently drawn much attention. In this work, the thermoelectric properties of Cu2SnSe3-based materials have been synergistically optimized. Ag doping at the Cu site enables strong phonon scattering via large strain field fluctuations and increases the effective mass of carriers through band engineering, which results in a reduced lattice thermal conductivity and enhanced Seebeck coefficient. Thus, a peak ZT value of 1.04 at 800 K is obtained for Cu1.85Ag0.15SnSe3. Then, In is further doped at the Sn site to further increase the carrier concentration and power factor; the ZT values of Cu1.85Ag0.15Sn1-yInySe3 samples are highly improved in the temperature range of 300-800 K, and a peak ZT value of 1.12 is obtained at 800 K for the Cu1.85Ag0.15Sn0.91In0.09Se3 sample. Considering that Ag2S decomposes to Ag and S completely under vacuum and high current field, the sulfur vapor would be pumped away by a vacuum pump, and the generated Ag not only enriches at the grain boundary of the Cu1.85Ag0.15Sn0.91In0.09Se3 bulk material but also enters the matrix and occupies the Cu site, leading to the extruding Cu and Se forming the second phase of CuSe nanoparticles. Thus, the power factor greatly improves to 13.8 μW cm-1 K-2 at 700 K, and the lattice thermal conductivity is as low as 0.12 W m-1 K-1 at 800 K for the Cu1.85Ag0.15Sn0.91In0.09Se3/4% Ag2S composite. Finally, a high ZT value of 1.58 is obtained at 800 K for the Cu1.85Ag0.15Sn0.91In0.09Se3/4% Ag2S composite, which is nearly an increase of 204% compared to that of Cu2SnSe3. This work provides an effective solution to optimize the conflicting material properties for Cu2SnSe3-based thermoelectric materials.

Facile fabrication of magnetically recyclable Fe3O4/BiVO4/CuS heterojunction photocatalyst for boosting simultaneous Cr(VI) reduction and methylene blue degradation under visible light

It is a challenging problem that develops a low-cost, efficient and sustainable technology in order to remove heavy metals and organic contaminants in the practical wastewater. Herein, a novel recyclable Fe3O4/BiVO4/CuS (FBCu) heterojunction photocatalyst was facilely fabricated by a method, coating CuS nanoparticles on the surface of Fe3O4 and BiVO4 simultaneously. FBCu composite not only has the ability to degrade Cr(VI) or methylene blue (MB) alone under visible light irradiation, but also exhibits higher photocatalytic ability in simultaneously removing Cr(VI) and MB mixed pollutants. The superior photocatalytic performance of FBCu is related to the formation of p-n heterojunction, which extends the spectral response and facilitates the efficiency of charge carriers separation and utilization. Moreover, FBCu exhibits satisfactory properties of reusability and stability after five cycling experiments in the Cr(VI)-MB coexistence system. Furthermore, the detailed mechanism for simultaneous removal of mixed pollutants was proposed and verified by DRS results, photoelectrochemical analysis, scavenger experiments and electron spin resonance determination. This work provides a recyclable photocatalyst with eco-friendliness and multifunctional applications in water pollution.

Ultrafine CuS anchored on nitrogen and sulfur Co-doped graphene for selective CO2 electroreduction to formate

Electrochemical conversion of CO2 into hydrocarbons can effectively alleviate the energy crisis and promote carbon cycle. Herein, we report that small-size CuS nanoparticles are confined in nitrogen and sulfur co-doped reduced graphene oxide (CuS/N,S-rGO) for electrochemically reducing CO2 to formate. Specifically, the CuS/N,S-rGO electrode achieves maximum Faradaic efficiency of 82% for formate formation at −0.63 V versus the reversible hydrogen electrode (RHE). Moreover, this catalyst exhibits a stable performance during 20 h-electrolysis. Experiments demonstrate that the doping of nitrogen and sulfur can create an abundance of active sites on the graphene nanosheets to accelerate the CO2 reduction reaction (CO2RR). The CuS/N,S-rGO electrode exhibits excellent performance for CO2RR is attributed to the synergistic effect between N,S-rGO and CuS, and graphene can improve stability of composite. This work provides an efficient electrocatalyst for CO2RR and offers a facile and environmental friendly approach to synthesize small-size Cu-based composites.

Facile decoration of two-dimensional Ti3C2T x nanoplates with CuS nanoparticles via a facile in situ synthesis strategy at room temperature for superhigh specific capacitance of supercapacitors

Although supercapacitors have attracted more and more attention owing to their fast charging speed and high power density, their wide applications have still been limited by their low energy density. In this study, a new CuS-nanoparticle-decorated Ti3C2T x electrode material is fabricated via a facile in situ synthesis strategy at room temperature. CuS nanoparticles, generated from the in situ reaction of Cu (NO3)2·3H2O with Na2S·9H2O, are anchored between the Ti3C2T x interlayers through electrostatic interaction. This type of structural construction is found capable of not only reducing the surface oxidation of Ti3C2T x , but also preventing the accumulation of CuS nanoparticles by the template effect of Ti3C2T x nanoplates. As a result, the CuS/Ti3C2T x nanohybrid delivers a maximum specific capacitance of 911 F g−1 at 1 A g−1 and a good cycling stability. A symmetric supercapacitor fabricated using the CuS/Ti3C2T x nanohybrid as the electrode material exhibits an energy density of 43.56 W h kg−1 with a power density of 475 W kg−1. Consequently, this work provides a new perspective of microstructural design for the preparation of electrode materials with superhigh specific capacitance through an easy and low-cost in situ-reaction method at room temperature.

Fabrication of CuS-modified inverse opal g-C3N4 photocatalyst with enhanced performance of photocatalytic reduction of CO2

As a greenhouse gas, CO2 is also a rich carbon resource. Using sunlight to reduce CO2 to usable substances through photocatalysis can alleviate the greenhouse effect and realize energy recycling. Herein, CuS nanoparticles are grown in situ on the surface of inverse opal g-C3N4 by a one-step hydrothermal method. The inverse opal structure can increase the specific surface area of the material, and CuS can be used as the cocatalyst to accept photo-generated electrons on the conduction band of g-C3N4, thereby promoting the separation and transfer of photo-generated charges. And the interfacial charge transfer mechanism of CuS further improves the separation efficiency of photogenerated electrons and holes. The photocatalytic reduction of CO2 activity of the prepared catalyst is greatly improved. The CO yield reaches 13.24 μmol g−1 h−1. A new strategy is provided to develop artificial photosynthesis for reduction of CO2.

CuO/Ag2S/CuS Nanohybrids‐Integrated Photoelectric and Photothermal Effects for Ultrasensitive Detection of Inorganic Pyrophosphatase

AbstractPromotion of the photoelectric (PE) response is of great importance for improving performances of solar cells, photocatalysis and photoelectrochemical (PEC) sensing. Herein, advanced CuO/Ag2S/CuS nanohybrids (NHs) are developed in which the CuO/Ag2S NHs have superior PE properties while the CuS nanoparticles own notable photothermal (PT) feature. Under illumination of 850 nm light, the CuO/Ag2S NHs are in‐situ heated by the PT effect of CuS, which significantly facilitates carrier generation and migration, thus eventually increasing related PE response by 1.4 times with a PT contribution percentage of 34.3% to the total photocurrent. Based on this PT‐promoted PE mechanism together with an enzymatic catalysis‐induced Cu species regulation, a bio‐friendly PEC sensing platform is established, realizing the sensitive determination of inorganic pyrophosphatase with a broad detection range from 0.05 to 35 mU ml−1 and a low detection limit of 0.02 mU ml−1. In particular, further variable temperature tests show that this PT effect is even capable of shrinking the band gap of CuS (from ≈2.1 to ≈1.3 eV), expanding the wavelength range of adoptable excitation light, thereby being beneficial for biological applications. In comparison with other methods, promotion of PE response with PT effect has few restrictions on photoactive materials, and is therefore valuable to various PE‐relevant applications.

Self-assembled semiconducting polymer based hybrid nanoagents for synergistic tumor treatment

There is an impending need for the development of carrier-free nanosystems for single laser triggered activation of phototherapy, as such approach can overcome the drawbacks associated with irradiation by two distinct laser sources for avoiding prolonged treatment time and complex treatment protocols. Herein, we developed a self-assembled nanosystem (SCP-CS) consisting of a new semiconducting polymer (SCP) and encapsulated ultrasmall CuS (CS) nanoparticles. The SCP component displays remarkable near infrared (NIR) induced photothermal ability, enhanced reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, and incredible photoacoustic (PA) signals upon activation by 808 nm laser for phototherapy mediated cancer ablation. The CuS component improves the PA imaging ability of SCP-CS, and also enhances photo-induced chemodynamic efficacy. Attributed to promoted single laser-triggered hyperthermia and enhanced ROS generation, the SCP-CS nanosystem shows effective intracellular uptake and intratumoral accumulation, enhanced tumor suppression with reduced treatment time, and devoid of any noticeable toxicity.

In doping effect on the structural, morphological, optical and enhanced antimicrobial activity of facilely synthesized novel CuS nanostructures

In this paper, we report the impact of Indium on the structural, morphological, optical, and antibacterial properties of copper sulfide (CuS) nanoparticles produced by facile chemical Co-precipitation process. X-ray diffraction, Raman, scanning electron microscope and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy techniques were used to investigate the phase composition and purity. Antibacterial tests were performed by well diffusion method and growth kinetics assay. The hexagonal structure of CuS nanoparticles is revealed by XRD/Raman analysis, with crystallite size ranging from 6 to 11 nm. SEM pictures also revealed a larger crystallite size with the addition of indium doping. For maximum indium doping (5 wt.%), the morphology was modified from nanoparticle to nanosheet. The existence of indium dopant was also confirmed by XPS analysis. The energy band gap shifted from 2.16 – 2.47 eV with altering indium concentrations in CuS. Indium doped CuS NPs exhibited highest antibacterial effect against Mycobacterium smegmatis (20–24 mm) while Pseudomonas aeruginosa had the lowest antimicrobial activity (12–14 mm). Growth kinetics study delineated that In:CuS had high antibacterial efficacy against all the tested microbial strains and suppress the microbial growth in the logarithmic growth phase. Hence, In:CuS might be applied as antimicrobial coatings to inhibit microbial biofilm development.