In-doped CuS nanostructures: Ultrasonic synthesis, physical properties, and enhanced photocatalytic behavior

Indium (In)-doped copper sulfide (CuS) nanostructure were synthesized by the sonochemical method. The results of X-ray diffraction (XRD) showed that the CuS nanostructure had a hexagonal covellite structure. Field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) images showed a decrease in the size of particles after the doping by In. Moreover, the morphology of the nanoparticles (NPs) was changed from a nanoparticle to flake shape. Energy-dispersive X-ray (EDX) analysis also confirmed the presence of a dopant in the synthesized products. The transmission electron microscopy (TEM) studies confirmed the effect of indium ions on the morphology of CuS nanostructure. UV-Vis analysis showed that the optical energy band gap changed in the presence of In doping. The photocatalytic degradation analysis proved that the products have a higher percentage of degradation after doping.