Ag Nanoparticle-Decorated Cu2S Nanosheets for Surface Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy Detection and Photocatalytic Applications

In this article, we demonstrate a facile, rapid, and practical approach to growing high-quality Cu2S nanosheets decorated with Ag nanoparticles (NPs) through the galvanic reduction method. The Ag/Cu2S nanosheets were efficiently applied to the surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) and photocatalytic degradation applications. The photodegradation of RhB dye with the Ag/Cu2S nanosheets composites occurred at a rate of 2.9 times faster than that observed with the undecorated Cu2S nanosheets. Furthermore, the Ag/Cu2S nanosheets displayed highly sensitive SERS detection of organic pollutant (R6G) as low as 10(-9) M. The reproducibility experiments indicated that the Ag/Cu2S nanosheets composites could be used for dual functionality in a new generation of outstandingly sensitive SERS probes for detection and stable photocatalysts.

Automated summary

This article demonstrates the growth of high-quality Ag/Cu2S nanosheets through the galvanic reduction method, which are efficiently applied for surface-enhanced Raman scattering and photocatalytic degradation applications. The Ag/Cu2S nanosheets show higher sensitivity in detecting organic pollutants and degrading dyes compared to undecorated Cu2S nanosheets. Reproducibility experiments indicate their potential for dual functionality as highly sensitive SERS probes and stable photocatalysts.