Fabrication and characterization of TiO2/CuS nanocomposites (Cu=0.25, 0.50, and 0.75 M) utilized for the photocatalytic degradation of crystal violet dye

TiO2, CuS, and TiO2/CuS (M = 0.25, 0.50, and 0.75) nanocomposites were synthesized using one-step hydrothermal method for the photocatalytic degradation of harmful crystal violet dye. XRD patterns of pure and composite nanoparticles revealed tetragonal and hexagonal crystal structures of TiO2 anatase and CuS nanoparticles. The band gap of the TiO2/CuS nanocomposites (indirect) were reduced when compared to pure TiO2 due to the formation of new fermi levels inside the band gap with the assistance of CuS nanoparticles. SEM images of TiO2 and CuS nanoparticles showed spherical nanostructures, whereas TiO2/CuS nanocomposites revealed a truncated tetragonal bipyramid TiO2 crystal structure on top of which spherical CuS nanoparticles were deposited. Photocatalytic absorption spectrum confirmed that TiO2/CuS nanocomposite having a molar ratio of 0.25 M exhibited the highest degradation of 78.35% in 60 min and the pseudo first-order rate constant (k) was evaluated to be 2.969 x 10(-2) mg/cm(2).

Automated summary

TiO2, CuS, and TiO2/CuS nanocomposites were synthesized via one-step hydrothermal method for photocatalytic degradation of harmful crystal violet dye. The TiO2/CuS nanocomposites exhibited improved catalytic properties.