A successful exploitation of gamma-radiation on chalcogenide Cu2InSnS4 towards clean water under photocatalysis approach

The current work represents the inspiration of gamma-radiation on Cu2InSnS4 (CITS) thin films deposited by spray pyrolysis technique. Irradiation treatment was carried out at various absorbed doses (20 - 4060 - 80 and 100 kGy) of gamma-radiation using as radiation source cobalt-60 (Co-60). The Structural and physical properties of the prepared samples were achieved by means of energy dispersive X-ray spectrometry (EDX), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Maud software, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), spectrophotometer and Drop Shape Analysis System. XRD patterns disclose a decrease in peak intensities followed by the division of peaks related to (204) and (312) lattice strategies after gamma-radiation. All films were crystalized into stannite structure and the crystallites were positioned to (112) plan. Furthermore, EDX spectroscopy reproduces a substantially decrease in Cu, In, Sn and S contents. SEM micrographs obviously display a total morphological modification from nanospherical to pyramidal shapes at 60 kGy, hierarchical rods and lamellar shapes at 100 kGy. In addition, a special emphasis has been focused on surface wettability of irradiated films, which points out the hydrophilic surface after irradiation. As known, hydrophilic character has a distinguished advantageous role on photocatalytic activity that may be due to the active surface area and the adsorption of dye. Based on the relationship between hydrophilicity and photocatalysis, it has been experimentally confirmed the better capacity of irradiated CITS thin film with 60 kGy to decompose Rhodamine B (RhB) dye under Xenon irradiation. Long-term runs approve the stability of irradiated CITS with 60 kGy for photocatalytic process after an overall duration for 5h:30 (4 cycles of 120 min each). This result reveals that irradiated CITS with 60 kGy may be deliberated as an effectual sTable photocatalyst for the remediation of polluted water. (C) 2021 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Automated summary

This study investigates the effects of gamma radiation on Cu2InSnS4 (CITS) thin films prepared by spray pyrolysis. The results show that gamma radiation significantly affects the crystalline structure and surface morphology of the films, leading to increased hydrophilicity and improved photocatalytic activity.