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One-dimensional copper sulfide (CuS) wires were realized by the acrylamide-assisted hydrothermal process using Cu(NO3)2 and thiourea (NH2CSNH2) as reactants at 100 °C. A copper sulfide/carbon nanotube (CNTs) composite was fabricated as a similar method with the addition of CNTs. The samples are characterized by XRD, SEM, TEM, and Raman scattering spectra, respectively. The influence of reaction temperature and amine on the morphologies of CuS nanocrystals was investigated. As anode materials for sodium-ion batteries, the electrochemical studies show that the CuS/CNT composite electrode delivers a higher reversible capacity of 428.1 mA h g−1 at 0.1 A g−1 for the 100th cycle, because CNTs can be a conductive agent to provide a fast path for electron transportation, compared with the bare CuS wires (280 mAh·g−1 after 100 cycles). The synthesis results indicate that the amine-directed synthesis strategy of copper sulfide could be extended for the preparation of other metal sulfide nanostructures. Further, the incorporation of the CNT matrix into the copper sulfide is an effective approach to enhance the electrochemical performance of CuS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, we have synthesized a nanostructured core–shell framework of carbon-coated copper sulfide (C@CuS) through a one-step precipitation technique. The carbon sphere template facilitated the nucleation of CuS nanostructures. The synthesized nanocomposites have demonstrated remarkable lithium-ion storage capabilities when utilized as an anode in lithium-ion batteries. Notably, they exhibit an impressive rate capability of 314 mAh g−1 at a high current density of 5000 mA g−1, along with excellent long-term cycle stability, maintaining 463 mAh g−1 at 1000 mA g−1 after 800 cycles. This superior performance is due to the core–shell architecture of the composite, where the carbon core enhances the conductivity of CuS nanoparticles and mitigates volume expansion, thus preventing capacity loss. Our study not only elucidates the significance of carbon in the construction of nano-heterojunctions or composite electrodes but also presents a practical approach to significantly boost the electrochemical performance of CuS and other metal sulfides. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Copper indium sulfide (CuInS2) exhibits strong visible light absorption and thus has the potential for good photocatalytic activity; however, rapid charge recombination limits its practical usage. An intriguing strategy to overcome this issue is to couple CuInS2 with another semiconductor to form a heterojunction, which can improve the charge carrier separation and, hence, enhance the photocatalytic activity. In this study, photocatalysts comprising CuInS2 with a secondary CuS phase (termed CuInxSy) and CuInxSy loaded with ZnS (termed ZnS@CuInxSy) were synthesized via a microwave-assisted method. Structural and morphological characterization revealed that the ZnS@CuInxSy photocatalyst comprised tetragonal CuInS2 containing a secondary phase of hexagonal CuS, coupled with hexagonal ZnS. The effective band gap energy of CuInxSy was widened from 2.23 to 2.71 as the ZnS loading increased from 0 to 30%. The coupling of CuInxSy with ZnS leads to long-lived charge carriers and efficient visible-light harvesting properties, which in turn lead to a remarkably high activity for the photocatalytic degradation of brilliant green (95.6% in 5 h) and conversion of 4-nitrophenol to 4-nitrophenolate ions (95.4% in 5 h). The active species involved in these photocatalytic processes were evaluated using suitable trapping agents. Based on the obtained results, photocatalytic mechanisms are proposed that emphasize the importance of h+, O2 •–, and OH− in photocatalytic processes using ZnS@CuInxSy.

The real-time photothermal degradation of methylene blue (MB) dye was studied using CuS thin film (TF) as a photocatalyst. The polycrystalline CuS TFs were fabricated on precleaned glass substrates by an aqueous solution of copper chloride and thiourea using a fully automated spray pyrolysis technique by varying temperatures (250–400°C). The properties of deposited films were studied by XRD, SEM, UV–Vis–NIR spectroscopy, photoluminescence (PL) and Hall measurement. XRD results show that the CuS TFs crystallized in the cubic phase with an average crystallite size ~22–30 nm. CuS TF grown at higher temperatures (350°C, 400°C) exhibited very low strain of about 0.55 and 1%, respectively. Hall study revealed that films deposited at 400°C had good electrical parameters with mobility (μ) of 0.866 cm2 V−1 s−1, Carrier concentration (p) of 5.21 × 1019 cm−3 and conductivity (σ) of 49.4 Ω-cm−1. The estimated optical bandgap of films were found to be in the range of 2.10–2.26 eV, revealing blue shift due to quantum size effects. The PL spectra showed two characteristic bands of the CuS films, at 422 nm and an intense green band at 504 nm. The copper sulphide TF showed high photocatalytic activities in a photo-decolourization of MB dye under irradiation of visible light, as CuS TF was able to completely decompose the dye in 160 min. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study reports the effects of a computationally informed and avocado-seed mediated Phyto engineered CuS nanoparticles as fertilizing agent on the ionome and amino acid metabolome of Pinto bean seeds using both bench top and ion beam analytical techniques. Physico-chemical analysis of the Phyto engineered nanoparticles with scanning-electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, and Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy confirmed the presence of CuS nanoparticles. Molecular dynamics simulations to investigate the interaction of some active phytocompounds in avocado seeds that act as reducing agents with the nano-digenite further showed that 4-hydroxybenzoic acid had a higher affinity for interacting with the nanoparticle's surface than other active compounds. Seeds treated with the digenite nanoparticles exhibited a unique ionome distribution pattern as determined with external beam proton-induced X-ray emission, with hotspots of Cu and S appearing in the hilum and micropyle area that indicated a possible uptake mechanism via the seed coat. The nano-digenite also triggered a plant stress response by slightly altering seed amino acid metabolism. Ultimately, the nano-digenite may have important implications as a seed protective or nutritive agent as advised by its unique distribution pattern and effect on amino acid metabolism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, copper sulfide (CuS) nanostructure was deposited on a porous silicon wafer for the visible light by spray pyrolysis method. Through this, a series of devices were suggested as a part of the deposit concentration of CuS on n-type porous silicon. Simultaneously, the physical features of the attained film were illustrated. FESEM exhibited that the average nanoparticle diameter increased with the concentration of CuS at orientation (100) and was found to be 47.84 nm, 56.36nm and 71.32nm, while the average diameter at (111) orientation was found to be 37.64 nm, 41.46nm, 55.22 nm of 0.1, 0.3 and 0.5M respectively. In addition to the atomic force microscope (AFM) showed the roughness and uniformity of the CuS/PSi fabricated decreased with increasing concentration of CuS, In detail, the attained photo-responsivity and specific detectivity were observed to be 210 mW/A, 340 mW/A and 3x1010 Jones, 4.2x1010 Jones at orientation (100 )using concentration of 0.1M and 0.5M respectively . On the other hand, the photo-responsivity and specific detectivity were observed to be 260 mW/A, 380 mW/A and 1.8 x1010 Jones, 4.5x1010 Jones at orientation (111) using concentrations of 0.1M and 0.5M respectively. The presented work shows a substitutional system for an economical and environmentally friendly optoelectronic scheme. The photo-responsive considered to be in a positive linear relationship with the used concentration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A3 coupling reaction can be used to efficiently synthesize propargylamine, which is an important bioactive molecule intermediate, and copper sulfide (CuS) as its catalyst is rarely reported. Herein, CuS with different morphologies including nanoflowers (NFS), nanorods (NR), nanoparticles (NP) were synthesized and applied to the A3 coupling reaction. The results show that CuS NP has the highest catalytic activity (99 % conversion) compared to other CuS, and also has good group compatibility and recyclability. Combining the activity with the CuS surface structure checked by XPS, BET and HRTEM etc. the excellent catalytic performance of CuS NP can be attributed to its higher specific surface area ((SBET=26.9 m2/g, SLangmuir=144.2 m2/g), and higher Cu+/Cu0 (58.9 %), Sn2− (16.7 %). The large specific surface area can provide more active sites, and higher Cu+/Cu0, Sn2− content are conducive to promoting the activation of alkyne terminal C−H, which is an important step in the A3 coupling reaction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A full potential all-electron density functional method within generalized gradient approximation is used herein to investigate correlations of the electronic, elastic and thermo-electric transport properties of cubic copper sulphide and copper selenide. The electronic band structure and density of states suggest a metallic behaviour with a zero-energy band gap for both materials. Elastic property calculations suggest stiff materials, with bulk to shear modulus ratios of 0.35 and 0.44 for Cu2S and Cu2Se, respectively. Thermo-electric transport properties were estimated using the Boltzmann transport approach. The Seebeck coefficient, electrical conductivity, thermal conductivity and power factor all suggest a potential p-type conductivity for α-Cu2S and n-type conductivity for α-Cu2Se. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although the generation of hydrogen by electrolysis of water is cheapest from all other available sources but splitting of water still takes place with sluggish kinetics and is a challenging barrier for H 2 production on large scale. Moreover, research work is still in progress to understand the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) and design the catalysts with improved OER performance. Herein, we report synthesis, characterization, and OER performance of copper oxide/copper sulfide (CuO/CuS) heterostructures and its individual components copper oxide (CuO) and copper sulfide (CuS) as low-cost catalysts for water oxidation. CuO/CuS has been demonstrated to be a stable and effective catalyst that initiates the OER at a potential of 1.49 V. (vs. RHE). The CuO/CuS catalyst drives the OER at only 270 mV overpotential and Tafel slope of 67 mV dec−1 with a current density of 10 mA cm−2 in 1.0 M KOH. CuO/CuS heterostructures outperforms OER performance of previously reported Cu-based catalysts. Long-term stability and performance toward OER are demonstrated by the oxygen evolution at an applied potential of 1.65 V (vs. RHE) over an extended period. This feature brings a favourable, non-noble, highly efficient, and robust OER catalyst. [Display omitted] • Cuo/CuS heterostructures catalyst synthesized for oxygen evolution reaction (OER). • It exhibits enhanced OER performance with overpotential of 270 mV@10 mAcm−2. • Pre-oxidation of water generate active Cu3+ centers which boost OER performance. • Heterostructures provide large surface area which is responsible for enhanced OER. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copper sulfide (CuS) thin film was electrodeposited onto stainless steel (SS 316L) substrate under pulse potential control, from an aqueous acidic solution containing 10−3 M of CuSO4.5H2O and 10−2 M of SC(NH2)2. The solution pH was maintained at 2.2 ± 0.1 by adding a few microliters of 0.1 M H2SO4 solution. The electrodeposited thin film was grown at 30 °C by applying a forward potential (EF) of − 0.85 V vs Ag/AgCl for 0.2 s and a reverse potential (ER) of 0 V vs Ag/AgCl for 0.4 s. Cyclic voltammetry (CV) was used to determine EF and ER as well as the possible reactions that occurred in the studied system and to understand the electrochemical behavior of the SS 316 L substrate on the deposition solutions. Normal and grazing incidence X-ray diffraction (XRD), Raman spectroscopy, and energy-dispersive analysis of X-ray (EDAX) techniques showed that the obtained thin film, applying EF and ER, was a hexagonal covellite CuS. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis showed that the obtained CuS film is grainy and contained some cracks. Profilometry indicated that the elaborated film has a thickness of 7.85 ± 0.71 µm. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and Mott–Schottky (MS) analysis were performed, but the results are controversial because of the participation of SS 316 L substrate in the behavior of the obtained data. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, 2,6-diaminoanthraquinone (DAAQ)-1,3,5-triformylphloroglucinol (TFP) COF/CuS heterojunction was supported on cellulose fibers with hyperbranched polyamide-amine (HPAMAM) as growth template and stabilizer to prepare composite paper for photocatalytic degradation of organic dyes in water. HPAMAM was grafted onto dialdehyde cellulose fibers (DACF) via Schiff base reaction. The intramolecular cavities of HPAMAM provided suitable sites for the growth of COF/CuS heterojunction, and the flexible polymer chains of HPAMAM were used to disperse and stabilize the COF/CuS heterojunction. COF provided an ideal framework for the adsorption, diffusion, and activation of organic dyes in water. And the photogenerated electron transfer path in the COF/CuS heterojunction formed a Z scheme model, which enhanced the separation efficiency of photogenerated electrons and maximized the redox potential for high photocatalytic activity. The DACF/HPAMAM/COF/CuS paper exhibited the highest photocatalytic reaction rate (k = 0.5549 min−1), 7.4 times higher than that of DACF/HPAMAM/COF paper and 6.2 times higher than that of DACF/HPAMAM/CuS paper. To the best of our knowledge, this is one of the best performances for photocatalytic degradation of organic dyes. The DACF/HPAMAM/COF/CuS paper also showed good photocatalytic cycling stability and structural stability. This study provides a strategy for constructing COF/inorganic semiconductor Z scheme heterojunction on cellulose fibers to prepare photocatalytic paper and demonstrates a breakthrough in the field of photocatalytic degradation of organic dyes in water. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research presents a near-infrared (NIR) light-activated drug delivery system designed to enhance the antimicrobial efficacy and bone integration of titanium-based implants. The system utilizes epoxy-modified TiO 2 nanotubes and CuS nanoparticles that generate reactive oxygen species (ROS) under 808 nm NIR light to enable controlled drug release. This innovative approach addresses the challenges of bacterial infection and fixation loosening and offers a significant improvement in implant performance. [Display omitted] • Enhanced antimicrobial efficacy and bone integration with NIR light-activated system. • Controlled drug release from CuS-modified TiO 2 nanotubes under 808 nm illumination. • Markedly improved antibacterial action and sustained release mechanism. Two primary obstacles impede the longevity of implants: bacterial infection and fixation loosening. This research introduces an innovative near-infrared (NIR) light-activated drug delivery system tailored to enhance the antimicrobial efficacy and bone integration of titanium-based implants. Titanium dioxide nanotube arrays (TNTs) were modified with epoxy for covalent bonding of therapeutic agents, and copper sulfide nanoparticles (CuS NPs) were added for regulated drug release. Alendronate sodium (ALN), an osteoporosis medication, was successfully bonded to the nanotubes. In vitro experiments showed that the release rate of ALN from TNTs-ALN reached 94 % within 36 h. In contrast, minimal release was observed in TNTs-ECH-ALN-CuS, which effectively addresses the prevalent issue of abrupt drug discharge typical in conventional delivery systems. In the context of NIR light exposure, the TNTs-ECH-ALN-CuS exhibited a notable ALN release efficacy of 48 %, demonstrating effective control over drug delivery. Additionally, the generation of ROS, coupled with temperature elevation under NIR exposure, endowed the modified TNTs with exceptional antibacterial efficacy, exceeding 99 % inhibition against E.coli and S.aureus. We observed a pronounced enhancement in the drug delivery mechanism, characterized by a reduction in the initial burst release and a sustained, controlled release, coupled with robust antibacterial action and notable biological performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Supercapacitors are recognized as crucial charge storage devices, yet there remained significant scope for improving electrode materials to enhance their performance. This study investigated the potential of composite materials comprising copper sulfide (CuS) and nickel oxide (NiO), referred to as CuS@NiO, as an efficient positrode material to improve supercapacitor performance. To the best of available knowledge, this research represented the first systematic attempt to optimize the composition of CuS@NiO composites for energy storage applications. The optimization of CuS@NiO composites was achieved through a hydrothermal synthesis method by varying the concentration of CuS within the composite. The resulting CuS@NiO exhibited a unique combination of flower-like NiO and sheet-like CuS morphologies. Electrochemical tests, including voltammetric cycling and constant-current charge–discharge, demonstrated that the CuS@NiO composite offered higher charge storage capacity and energy density compared to individual CuS and NiO electrodes. The composite electrode achieved a specific capacity of 392 Cg1 (980 Fg1) at 1 Ag1 and exhibited superior rate capability with a capacity retention of 61% at 10 Ag1. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy results indicated a lower intrinsic resistance (0.4 ohms) and higher ionic conductivity (0.56 × 10⁻4 Scm⁻1) for the composite. The assembled supercapacitor device, CuS@NiO//Graphite mixed activated charcoal, demonstrated an energy density of 44 Whkg⁻1 at a power density of 0.825 kWkg⁻1. It maintained cyclic stability, retaining 80.1% of its initial performance and a Coulombic efficiency of 77.6% after 5000 cycles. These findings highlighted the potential of the CuS@NiO composite as an advanced electrode material for high-performance supercapacitors, addressing the need for enhanced energy storage solutions.Graphical abstract: Supercapacitors are recognized as crucial charge storage devices, yet there remained significant scope for improving electrode materials to enhance their performance. This study investigated the potential of composite materials comprising copper sulfide (CuS) and nickel oxide (NiO), referred to as CuS@NiO, as an efficient positrode material to improve supercapacitor performance. To the best of available knowledge, this research represented the first systematic attempt to optimize the composition of CuS@NiO composites for energy storage applications. The optimization of CuS@NiO composites was achieved through a hydrothermal synthesis method by varying the concentration of CuS within the composite. The resulting CuS@NiO exhibited a unique combination of flower-like NiO and sheet-like CuS morphologies. Electrochemical tests, including voltammetric cycling and constant-current charge–discharge, demonstrated that the CuS@NiO composite offered higher charge storage capacity and energy density compared to individual CuS and NiO electrodes. The composite electrode achieved a specific capacity of 392 Cg1 (980 Fg1) at 1 Ag1 and exhibited superior rate capability with a capacity retention of 61% at 10 Ag1. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy results indicated a lower intrinsic resistance (0.4 ohms) and higher ionic conductivity (0.56 × 10⁻4 Scm⁻1) for the composite. The assembled supercapacitor device, CuS@NiO//Graphite mixed activated charcoal, demonstrated an energy density of 44 Whkg⁻1 at a power density of 0.825 kWkg⁻1. It maintained cyclic stability, retaining 80.1% of its initial performance and a Coulombic efficiency of 77.6% after 5000 cycles. These findings highlighted the potential of the CuS@NiO composite as an advanced electrode material for high-performance supercapacitors, addressing the need for enhanced energy storage solutions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Herein, copper sulfide (CuS) was introduced to the Fenton-like (Fe(III)/H 2 O 2) system for the efficient removal of phenylarsonic acid (PAA). Results of reactive oxygen and Fe/Cu species showed that CuS preferentially reacted with Fe(III) and H 2 O 2 to generate Cu(I) and superoxide anion (•O 2 -). These reductive species could efficiently promote the Fe(III)/Fe(II) and Cu(II)/Cu(I) cycles, and are beneficial to the sequential Fenton reaction to generate •OH. The organoic/inorganic arsenic species detected in the CuS/Fe(III)/H 2 O 2 system confirmed that PAA was oxidized by •OH to hydroxylated organoarsenic and phenolic intermediates, which were further mineralized to oxalate and formic acid. Meanwhile, the inorganic As(III)/As(V) released during PAA degradation were efficiently immobilized by CuS. The PAA removal efficiency remained as high as 92.9 % after 5 cycles of the CuS-mediated Fenton-like process. These results demonstrate an innovative method for the treatment of organoarsenic-contaminated water, and provide new insights into the enhanced Fenton-like process utilizing sulfide minerals. [Display omitted] • CuS served as a co-catalyst in the Fenton-like system, promoted the reactive species generation and PAA degradation. • The production of Cu(I) and •O 2 - in the CuS/Fe(III)/H 2 O 2 system facilitated the cycles of Fe(III)/Fe(II) and Cu(II)/Cu(I). • The simultaneous of PAA mineralization and inorganic arsenic immobilization were conducted in the CuS/Fe(III)/H 2 O 2 system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It is of great significance for ushering in the hydrogen energy age to synthesize super active non-noble-metal electrocatalytic oxygen evolution reaction (OER) electrocatalyst. Herein, we reported a P-doped low-cost and facile synthesized P-CuS as an electrocatalyst synthesized by a solvothermal strategy. Obtained more active sites offered the catalytic space that significantly lowered barriers to response, which results in the electrocatalyst exhibiting excellent catalytic activity. The overpotential of P-CuS-1 for optimal electrochemical performance was 280 mV @ 10 mA cm−2 and the Tafel slope was 138.24 mv dec−1. Additionally, the double-layer capacitance of the sample was calculated to be 17.77 mF cm−2, which increased by 15.21 mF cm−2 over the pre-doped CuS, along with good cycling stability upon 22 h. Density functional theory calculations demonstrate that P-doping enhances OER activity by optimising the adsorption free energy of oxygenated intermediates. It indicated that P-doped CuS electrocatalyst can improve the OER electrochemical performance significantly compared to CuS. This study provides an effective way to tune the electronic structure of CuS using P-doping. • Pure CuS and P-CuS OER catalysts were synthesised by one-pot method under laboratory conditions. • By electrochemical testing, the overpotential of P-CuS-1 is as low as 280mV@10mA cm-2. • It demonstrates that P-doping can enhance the catalytic activity of OER-inert copper sulfide. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • CuS NPs were hybridized with NM125 via an amino group-assisted coordination, forming a Z-scheme heterojunction. • The interfacial Cu–N dative bond enabled rapid photogenerated electron transfer, leading to spatial charge separation. • NM125 served as an electron donor in NM125@CuS(x) , inhibiting the hole-induced photocorrosion of CuS. • NM125@CuS(x) hybrids were highly efficient and stable in natural sunlight-driven synthesis of benzimidazoles in ambient air. • A wide range of benzimidazoles were obtained in almost quantitative yields (90–98%) under natural sunlight. Natural sunlight-driven photocatalysis has been considered as an energy sustainable strategy for the synthesis of fine chemicals, since natural sunlight is inexhaustible. Copper sulfide (CuS) with broad light absorption holds great promise for natural sunlight utilization, while hole-induced photocorrosion seriously hampers its photoactivity and photostability. Herein, we inhibited the photocorrosion by hybridizing CuS with amino-functionalized metal–organic framework of NH 2 -MIL-125(Ti) (NM125) to fabricate a Z-scheme heterojunction. Taking advantage of high binding affinity of amino group and copper ion, CuS nanoparticles (NPs) were in situ anchored on NM125 surface via amino group-assisted coordination. Characterization results suggested the diffusion-controlled charge migration in NM125@CuS(x) hybrids, where photoinduced electrons in conduction band (CB) of NM125 transferred to valence band (VB) of CuS, and then combined here. The Z-scheme charge transport could timely consume the photogenerated holes of CuS, and spatially separated the charge carriers. As a result, the obtained NM125@CuS(x) catalysts were highly efficient and stable in natural sunlight-driven Phillips-Ladenburg reaction in air, providing serial benzimidazoles with excellent yields (90–98%). Such natural sunlight-driven photocatalysis system efficiently utilized natural sunlight to synthesize high-value fine chemicals in open air at mild conditions, which opens up a sustainable avenue for the green development of fine chemical engineering. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article investigates the utilization of copper sulfide (CuS) based nanomaterials functionalized with rhodium (Rh) and palladium (Pd) nanoparticles for gas sensing and energy generation applications. CuS nanoparticles, known for their unique properties, were combined with Rh and Pd nanoparticles to enhance hydrogen (H 2) gas sensing capabilities. Gas sensing experiments revealed that CuS/Rh/Pd nanocomposites exhibited the highest sensing response of 58.33 % to H 2 , indicating the significant improvement in gas sensing properties due to the combined presence of Rh and Pd nanoparticles in CuS matrices. Moreover, temperature-dependent responses provided insights into optimal operating conditions for effective gas sensing with CuS-based nanocomposites. Comprehensive characterization studies including XPS, Raman, and morphology analysis confirmed the successful synthesis of CuS/Rh/Pd nanomaterials with high purity and desirable structural properties. Dye-sensitized solar cell (DSSC) performance studies demonstrated that CuS/Rh/Pd nanocomposites enhanced the efficiency by minimizing light over-absorption and improving photoanode stability. Overall, this study highlighted the potential of metal nanoparticle-decorated CuS nanocomposites for advanced gas sensing and energy generation applications, paving the way for the development of highly sensitive and efficient gas sensors and solar energy conversion technologies. • Enhanced H 2 sensing with CuS/Rh/Pd nanocomposites. • Temperature-dependent optimization for effective gas sensing. • High purity confirmed by XPS, Raman, and morphology analysis. • Improved DSSC efficiency through better light absorption and stability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Photo-stimuli-responsive therapeutic nanomaterials have gained widespread attention as frontline materials for biomedical applications. The photoactivation strategies are classified as single-modality (based on either reactive oxygen species (ROS)-based photodynamic therapy (PDT), hyperthermia-based photothermal therapy (PTT)), or dual-modality (which combines PDT and PTT). Due to its minimal invasiveness, phototherapy has been extensively applied as an efficient therapeutic platform for many diseases, including skin cancers. However, extensive implementation of phototherapy to address the emergence of multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacterial infections remains challenging. This review focuses on copper sulfide (CuS) nanomaterials as efficient and cost-effective PDT and PTT therapeutic nanomaterials with antibacterial activity. The features and merits of CuS nanomaterials as therapeutics are compared to those of other nanomaterials. Control of the dimensions and morphological complexity of CuS nanomaterials through judicious synthesis is then introduced. Both the in vitro antibacterial activity and the in vivo therapeutic effect of CuS nanomaterials and derivative nanocomposites composed of 2D nanomaterials, polymers, metals, metal oxides, and proteins are described in detail. Finally, the perspective of photo-stimuli-responsive CuS nanomaterials for future clinical antibacterial applications is highlighted. This review illustrates that CuS nanomaterials are highly effective, low-toxic, and environmentally friendly antibacterial agents or platform nanomaterials for combatting MDR bacterial infections. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Green hydrogen energy production from electrocatalysts produced via low‐temperature hydrothermal method with easy preparation and cost effectiveness has attracted attention as an alternative to high‐temperature nitration, phosphide, and sulfonation processes. Hence, in this work with consideration of previous works, we have prepared low temperatures (60°C‐80°C) surfactant assisted copper sulfide (CuS) spherical flower‐like microsphere morphologies with the help of the hydrothermal technique. The product exhibited a single CuS covellite phase at 60°C, whereas the increase in hydrate phase was also observed along with the CuS phase at 70°C and 80°C. SEM and TEM analyses revealed that increase in the size of flower‐like microsphere morphology with the covellite phase was observed with an increase in reaction temperatures. The vibrational mode at 616 and 472 cm−1 confirmed the formation of CuS in FTIR and Raman spectra respectively. The CuS catalyst obtained at 80°C achieved low 176, 199, and 458 mV overpotentials to get 10 mA/cm2 in 1 M KOH of distilled water, 1 M KOH of seawater, and natural seawater compared to other CuS catalysts on account of the higher surface area of 16.19 m2/g. The CuS catalyst prepared at 80°C showed low charge transfer resistance (Rct) at catalyst/seawater interface compared to other catalysts with the retention of 74.1% in natural seawater after 10 h stability examination. Structural and compositional studies of the CuS catalyst prepared at 80°C after 10 h stability examination confirmed white Mg(OH)2 and Ca(OH)2 precipitate formation on CuS surface. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Most of the copper sulfide synthetic approaches developed until now are still facing issues in their procedure, such as long synthesis duration, high energetic consumption, and high implementation costs. This publication reports a facile and sustainable approach for synthesizing copper sulfides on a large scale. In particular, an industrial by-product of sulfur waste was used as a sulfurizing agent for copper sulfide synthesis in a water medium. The reaction was performed in the hydrothermal environment by following a novel proposed mechanism of copper sulfide formation. The investigation of morphological and optical properties revealed that the target products obtained by using waste possess the resembling properties as the ones synthesized from the most conventional sulfurizing agent. Since the determined band gap of synthesis products varied from 1.72 to 1.81 eV, the photocatalytic properties, triggered under visible light irradiation, were also investigated by degrading the methylene blue as a model pollutant. Importantly, the degradation efficiency of the copper sulfide synthesized from sulfur waste was equivalent to a sample obtained from a reference sulfurizing agent since the value for both samples was 96% in 180 min. This very simple synthetic approach opens up a new way for large-scale sustainable production of visible-light-driven photocatalysts for water purification from organic pollutants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Providing a strategy to synthesize CuS-NPC. • CuS-NPC improves specific capacity and electronic conductivity. In this work, an electrode composite (CuS-NPC) for supercapacitors was synthesized by loading hexagonal nano-sheeted copper sulfide onto porous carbon through a solvothermal reaction using thiourea and copper acetate as the sulfur and copper sources, respectively. The synergistic effect of nanoscale copper sulfide sheet and hierarchical pore structure of porous carbon with high surface area achieves excellent capacitive performance in electrochemical reactions. CuS-NPC exhibited a large specific capacitance of 1298.7F g−1 at current density of 0.5 A/g and 766.3F g−1 at current density of 10 A/g, revealing that the electrode composite of copper sulfide and porous carbon have a great prospect as a supercapacitor electrode material. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] Designing photothermal transducing agents (PTAs) with enhanced photothermal conversion efficiency (PCE) holds essential importance for photothermal tumor eradication applications. Currently, it is an effective way to improve the photothermal efficiency by designing the energy level transition leading to the enhancement of UV absorption. To address the challenge, we develop novel Prussian blue@polyacrylic acid/copper sulfide Janus nanoparticles (PB@PAA/CuS JNPs) via selective coating of PAA nano-hemisphere on one of the surfaces of PB NPs followed by the further formation of CuS on the PAA template. The experiments show that the energy level transition occurs between Janus structure. Besides, it offers enhanced absorption over NIR-I and NIR-II dual windows. The muscle tissue penetration studies suggest that the PB@PAA/CuS JNPs have deeper tissue penetration in the 1064 nm laser irradiation group, indicating their potential for treating deep-tissue-seated tumors. In a word, the unique PB@PAA/CuS JNPs show an enhanced tumor inhibitory effect over the NIR-I and NIR-II dual windows, which will open up new opportunities for improving PTT efficiency by the rational nanostructural design of PTAs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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In this work, gallium doped copper sulfide (Ga-doped CuS) nanocrystals were prepared using a solvothermal method. The effects of Ga doping on the crystal structures, chemical composition, morphology, optical properties and thermal performance of copper sulfide (CuS) were investigated. The Ga-doped CuS nanocrystals had a hexagonal structure comparable to that of pure CuS. The Cu+/Cu2+ ratio first decreased and then increased with increasing Ga3+ doping. Both CuS and Ga-doped CuS exhibited nanoplate and nanorod morphologies. The visible transmittance of the Ga-doped CuS films was in the range of 61–77.1%. Importantly, the near-infrared (NIR) shielding performance of the films can be tuned by adjusting the concentration of the Ga dopant. The NIR shielding value of the optimal Ga-doped CuS film was 72.4%, which was approximately 1.5 times as high as that of the pure CuS film. This can be ascribed to the enhanced plasmonic NIR absorption that resulted from an increase in the hole concentration after doping with Ga3+ ions. In the thermal performance test, the Ga-doped CuS film lowered the interior temperature of the heat box by 9.1 °C. Therefore, the integration of good visible transmittance and high NIR shielding performance make the Ga-doped CuS nanocrystals a promising candidate for energy-efficient window coatings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the current paper, copper sulfide nanotubes have been successfully synthesized via the green, simple, and effective gamma-radiolysis method without adding any capping or reducing agents. The structural and morphological characteristics of the as-prepared CuS nanotubes were investigated by X-ray diffraction (XRD), N2 adsorption-desorption measurements at 77 K, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and ultraviolet-visible (UV-vis) spectroscopy, which all demonstrated the formation of pure CuS covellite phase with tubular morphology. The synthesized CuS nanotubes possessed not only high activity towards the reduction of both cationic (methylene blue) and anionic (Congo red) dyes in the presence of NaBH4 but also exhibited excellent reusability. In addition, the pseudo-first-order kinetic model represented the reduction of MB very well, and the value of the normalized rate constant (2.4 × 10−2 s−1 mg−1) was higher than those of other solid catalysts reported in the literature. Ultimately, CuS nanotubes were found to have a broad-spectrum microbicidal action against the common microbiota, such as Gram-positive (exemplified by Bacillus subtilis and Staphylococcus aureus), Gram-negative bacteria (exemplified by Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Escherichia coli), yeast (exemplified by Candida albicans), and plant pathogenic fungi (exemplified by Aspergillus niger). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The thin films Fe doped copper sulphide Cu1−xFexS (CFS) (x = 0.01, 0.03, 0.05, and 0.07) were elaborated by spray pyrolysis deposition technique. The characterization by XRD and SEM of the thin films shows a Covellite CuS single phase without formation of other phases. The structure is a simple hexagonal with unit cell dimension, a = b = 3.79 Å and c = 16.34 Å. The Analysis of the UV–Vis spectra reveals that the energy band gap has been decreased from 2.47 to 1.98 eV with the increase of Fe concentration. The absorption coefficients of CFS films have increased from 1.155 × 105 to 1.712 × 105 cm−1. It has demonstrated that a right band gap with a right band edge alignment at a pH value for Fe-doped CFS can boost the material application as a photocatalyst for the visible light. According to this study, CFS (0.07) thin films for a pH = 3 solutions is a promising material for photocatalysis application for water splitting to hydrogen-oxygen production. Nevertheless, we demonstrate that the formation of straddling gap heterostructure for CuS and CFS for a pH solution between 7 and 8 induces the production of oxygen and hydrogen. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The thermal oxidation of CuS powder was examined under flow of nitrogen and dry air using thermogravimetry/differential thermal analysis. After 473 K, the oxidation of CuS occurred as a weight loss and accompanied with two overlapped exothermic peaks. The melting temperature delayed due to the formation of oxide and sulphate on the surface of the particles. X-ray diffraction revealed that the as-prepared thin films are mixed phases of hexagonal CuS, orthorhombic Cu2S and orthorhombic CuSO4. After annealing at 573 or 773 K, the films oxidized and new orthorhombic Cu8O phase appeared, and its intensity became dominant upon increasing the temperature and time. Nanoparticles morphology was observed for as-prepared films and upon annealing the nanoparticle became more rounded and bigger. The transmittance of the as-prepared films was almost zero over the entire measured range and it increased with increase in the annealing temperature and time, whereas the reflectance decreased. Both refractive and extinction coefficient values decreased with increase in annealing temperature and annealing time, while the bandgap virtually increased. The resistivity of the as-prepared film remained nearly constant until 543 K. Above 543 K the resistivity increased sharply. Negative and positive temperature coefficients in resistivity phenomena were explored in the annealed films and they were strongly dependent on both annealing temperature and time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the present work, we have successfully synthesized Bi2S3, CuS, and its heterojunction Bi2S3/CuS thin film on fluorine doped tin oxide (FTO) coated glass as counter electrodes. These depositions are done by simple, cost effective, and simply executable sequential chemical bath deposition (S-CBD) method. Well optimized preparative parameters led to the formation of good quality thin films of Bi2S3 and CuS films and heterojunction. The structural validation Bi2S3, CuS, and its heterojunction were achieved by X-ray diffraction and Raman scattering, surface morphological study observed through Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and topology was confirmed by Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM). We have employed Bi2S3/CuS heterostructure as a counter electrode (CE) in dye-sensitized solar cell (DSSC). We have observed different parameters like short circuit current density (Jsc), open circuit voltage (Voc), Fill Factor (FF) and efficiency (n) by Current-voltage (J-V) characteristics. Though we do not achieve an anticipated outcome for heterostructure compared with conventional Platinum and Carbon black counter electrode, CuS separately found worthy as Counter electrode (CE) in DSSC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copper sulfide (CuS) is an attractive electrode material for batteries, thanks to its intrinsic mixed conductivity, ductility and high theoretical specific capacity of 560 mAh g−1. Here, CuS is studied as cathode material in lithium solid‐state batteries with an areal loading of 8.9 mg cm−2 that theoretically corresponds to 4.9 mAh cm−2. The configuration of the cell is LiLi3PS4[CuS (70 wt%) + Li3PS4 (30 wt%)]. No conductive additive is used. CuS undergoes a displacement reaction with lithium, leading to macroscopic phase separation between the discharge products Cu and Li2S. In particular, Cu forms a network of micrometer‐sized, well‐crystallized particles that seems to percolate through the electrode. The formed copper is visible to the naked eye. The initial specific discharge capacity at 0.1 C is 498 mAh g(CuS)−1, i.e., 84% of its theoretical value. The initial Coulomb efficiency (ICE) reaches 95%, which is higher compared to standard carbonate‐based liquid electrolytes for the same cell chemistry (≈70%). After 100 cycles, the specific capacity reaches 310 mAh g(CuS)−1. With the current composition, the cell provides 58.2 Wh kg−1 at a power density of 7 W kg−1, which is superior compared to other transition metal sulfide cathodes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nanostructured semiconductor, copper sulphide, CuS prepared by a mechanochemical synthesis in a large-scale operation industrial mill was modified by surfactant-assisted milling in a planetary mill. Surface modified CuS with cetrimonium bromide, and sodium dodecyl sulphate surfactants were characterised by particle size distribution and compared to mechanochemically synthesised CuS. X-ray diffraction, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy and elemental analysis confirmed the binding of surfactants to the CuS structure. Transmission electron microscopy has revealed that the particles composed of nanocrystallites are embedded in the surfactant matrix. Their optical properties were studied using ultraviolet–visible and photoluminescence spectroscopies. The optical band gap energies were determined to be 1.70 and 1.63 eV for CuS modified with cetrimonium bromide and sodium dodecyl sulphate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Flower-shaped CuS as a p-type gas-sensing material was synthesized by a facile hydrothermal method in this study. Morphology, structure, and chemical composition of the synthesized CuS gas-sensing material were analyzed by SEM, XRD, XPS, and N2 adsorption adsorption–desorption technique. Gas-sensing properties of the as-prepared CuS sensors were also investigated toward ethanol monitoring. The results showed that the flower-like CuS nanostructures consisted of interconnected nanosheets and exhibited good crystallinity. With the increase in ethanol concentration, the sensitivity of the CuS sensor significantly increased and indicated a roughly linear relationship at the optimal operating temperature of 260 °C. The ethanol-selective characteristics of the CuS sensor against other interfering gases including methanol, benzene, dichloromethane, and hexane were studied, and the gas response of the CuS sensor synthesized at 170 °C toward 100 ppm ethanol was 5.22, which was significantly higher than all the other gases. Moreover, 14-day continuous measurement further confirmed the excellent stability of the CuS sensor. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Cu2O/CuO/CuS electrocatalyst was prepared by thermal oxidation of cleaned copper mesh in the air into Cu2O/CuO and CuS was deposited on oxide surface using facile successive ionic layer adsorption and reaction method. The successive fabrication of the electrocatalyst was confirmed using XRD, SEM, Raman and XPS. The catalytic enhancement is believed to be associated with the reduction of copper sulfide. Together with copper oxides, they offer favorable adsorption sites for electrochemical CO2 reduction. The synthesized catalyst offered significantly enhanced activity and selectivity performance for CO2 reduction at lower overpotential. Remarkably, the faradaic efficiency for formate generation reaches 84% at the potential of − 0.7 V versus RHE. It has also provided a high partial current density of − 20 mA cm− 2.Graphical Abstract: [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Graphical abstract Typical SEM images of CuS/graphene composite and schematic illustration of a Li/S cell configuration with a CuS/graphene-coated separator. Highlights • CuS/graphene with high lithium polysulfides adsorption capacity was synthesized. • CuS/graphene coated-separator functions as a highly efficient ionic sieve to LPS. • The cell with CuS/graphene coated-separator exhibit enhanced cycling performance. Abstract Herein, we demonstrate a facile synthesis process to fabricate and deposit flower-like CuS/graphene nanocomposite on a multi-functional separator for efficient immobilization of polysulfides of lithium/sulfur (Li/S) batteries. Admirably, as-prepared CuS/graphene composite endows enriched oxygen-functional groups and excellent electrical conductivity for cathode area. The introduction of CuS/graphene-coated separator effectively reduced the dissolution of lithium polysulfides as well as enhanced the integrity of the sulfur cathode for Li/S batteries. The cell with these modified separator delivered an enviable discharge capacity of 1302 mAh g−1 at 0.2 C, as well as an excellent reversible capacity of 760 mAh g−1 after 100 cycles. Furthermore, an outstanding rate capability of 568 mAh g−1 at 3.0 C has been achieved in the cell with CuS/graphene-coated separator. The results reveal that CuS/graphene-coated separator shows an admirable potentiality to boost the performance of next-generation Li/S batteries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract In this work, 3,4,9,10-perylenetetracar-boxylic acid (PTCA) as luminophor was grafted on the surface of graphene oxide (PTCA-GO) directly. GO exhibited large specific surface area and excellent electrical conductivity which can immobilize large amounts of PTCA to improve the electrochemiluminescence (ECL) efficiency. Moreover, gold nanoparticles (Au NPs) were anchored on the surface of PTCA-GO to immobilize primary antibodies (Ab 1) via Au-NH 2 bond and enhance the electron transport of PTCA-GO. CuS was used as a novel co-reaction accelerator in PTCA-K 2 S 2 O 8 system to label secondary antibodies (Ab 2), which can react with the coreactant (K 2 S 2 O 8) to produce more SO 4 •-. SiO 2 nanospheres with large specific surface area were used to load a mass of CuS and Au NPs, which can directly combine with Ab 2 and accelerate the ECL emission remarkably. Therefore, a novel sandwich-type ECL immunosensor was fabricated successfully for amyloid-β protein (Aβ) detection. Under the optimal condition, a wide detection range from 50 fg/mL to 25 ng/mL and a low detection limit of 18 fg/mL (S/N = 3) were obtained. Featuring favorable specificity, stability and reproducibility, the strategy can be a powerful analytical tool in sensitive trace detection of biomolecules in clinical analysis. Highlights • PTCA was grafted on Au@GO which improved the ECL behavior. • CuS acted as co-reaction accelerator to amplify the ECL signal. • CuS reacted with the coreactant (S 2 O 8 2-) to produce more SO 4 •-. • Amyloid-β protein was ultrasensitively detected. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hydrogels are emerging materials for solar steam generation to alleviate water scarcity. Herein, a semiconductor of copper sulfide (CuS) was integrated into cellulose hydrogel to fabricate a solar steam evaporator. Sustainable and low-cost cotton linter (cellulose) was regenerated by NaOH/urea solvent. Epichlorohydrin was added as a cross-linking agent to enhance the mechanical robustness of the composite hydrogel, and CuS crystals were tightly attached to cellulose fibers and uniformly distributed in the hydrogel matrix. Under simulated solar light, a heating zone was established at the top surface of the composite hydrogel, and CuS can efficiently absorb and convert light into heat. The hydrophilic cellulose network affords an adequate water supply and a low water vaporization enthalpy. By tuning the CuS loadings, the optimized evaporation rate and solar-to-vapor efficiency could reach 2.2 kg/m2/h and 87 %, respectively, under 1 sun irradiation. The evaporation rate remained above 2.1 kg/m2/h after 48 h of irradiation. Moreover, the hydrogels (with a CuS loading of 30 wt%) showed a efficiently photocatalytic degradation of 95 % for methylene blue and 92 % for Rhodamine B. Such functional hydrogel evaporator holds great potential for practical water treatment and solar-driven applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Materials made from self-lubricating inorganic and organic composites have gained great attention due to advantages of the rust-resistance, light weight, low cost, and high compatibility. As a result, they have extensive applications in the friction and lubrication fields, typically for vehicle. With the help of the water bath and hydrothermal method, we have prepared the CuS nanomaterials with and without oleic acid modification. Various techniques, such as X-ray diffraction (XRD) spectra, transmission electron microscope (TEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) and vertical universal friction as well as wear testing, have been employed to analyze the structure information and characterize the related tribological properties of our CuS nanomaterials. Results show that the morphologies of the CuS nanomaterials are nanorods. Increasing the surface area and the concentration of CuS nanorod additives can significantly reduce the friction coefficient and wear rate of pins in both unmodified and oleic acid-modified CuS nanomaterials. More than that, we find that when compared to those without oleic acid modification, the oleic acid modification enable the CuS nanomaterials to exhibit higher anti-wear properties. The EDS analysis shows that there is still a uniform tribo-film in the surface of oleic acid-modified CuS nanomaterials, implying the prominent tribological performances of CuS nanorods additives. Our results indicate that the Oleic acid-modified CuS nanorods can be served as a new lubricating and tribological material for vehicle. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A three-dimensional reduced graphene oxide growing with copper sulfide (CuS) nanoplates was synthesized via a hydrothermal method. Structural and morphological investigations demonstrate CuS nanoplates are distributed on the surface of rGO. The as-prepared CuS@rGO nanocompsite as anode material displays a high specific capacity, a good rate capability, as well as an outstanding cycling stability, and delivers a reversible capacity of 1087.1 mAh g −1 at 100 mA g −1 over 200 cycles, 426.8 mAh g −1 at 2 A g −1 even over 450 cycles. The high performance is ascribed to the rGO, because it can provides a large surface area, improves electrical conductivity and effectively accommodates severe volume-variation during the charge/discharge process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copper sulfide (CuS) thin films were prepared on commercial glass substrates by Chemical Bath Deposition (CBD) method using solution of different copper salts at 50 °C temperature for seven hours. Different anions of copper salts that is crucial for the properties of the films affect the precipitation mechanism and growth rate. For this reason, the effect of the different copper salts on the properties of CuS thin films was investigated and discussed. The influence of the different copper salts in the chemical bath was determined by means of optical transmission of the thin films in the wavelength range of 400–1100 nm taken at room temperature. Next, using these data, the optical band gap values E g , the extinction coefficient k, the refractive index n , and the real ε 1 and imaginary parts ε 2 of the dielectric constant were calculated. The crystallographic structure of CuS thin films were analyzed with an X-ray diffractometer (XRD). XRD analysis was revealed the polycrystalline and hexagonal phase of CuS thin films. The surface roughness of the films were measured by AFM. The surface roughness of the thin films was different despite the same deposition time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cobalt sulfide materials are wildly investigated in oxygen evolution reaction (OER). In order to further decrease the cost of the catalysts, cobalt-copper-iron trimetal sulfides (CoCuFe-S) are designed and successfully fabricated via a simple hydrothermal method following a thermal treatment. CoCuFe-S has a three-dimensional nanostructure, which is assembled by numerous nanosheets. Three components are uniformly distributed in the composite. CoCuFe-S with different ratios are employed as OER catalysts and compared with pure Co 9 S 8 , CuS and FeS. The optimal CoCuFe-S-8 catalyst exhibits high and robust activity for OER with a small overpotential of 0.30 V at current density of 10 mA cm −2 and a low Tafel slope of 79 mV·dec −1 . The turnover frequency is 0.27 s −1 and the mass activity is 114 A g −1 at overpotential of 0.30 V, even better than the commercial RuO 2 . In addition, CoCuFe-S-8 catalyst showed long-term durability under 1 M KOH solution. The excellent OER performance may result from the synergistic effect among the three sulfides. The introduction of FeS and CuS are beneficial for the formation of Co 9 S 8 , increasing the conductivity of the catalyst and decreased the adsorption of the oxygen atoms on Co atom. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

CuO and CuS films were coated on AISI 4140 steel samples by Successive Ionic Layer Adsorption and Reaction (SILAR) to investigate their usability as solid lubricant. Wear tests were performed using pin-on-disk tribo-tester under dry and lubricated conditions. The structural, morphological and morphological features of untreated, CuO and CuS coated samples were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscope (SEM) and microhardness, scratch analysis. The surface examinations indicated that needle-like structures formed after coating processes and CuO and CuS films exhibited oleophobic behavior. CuO and CuS thin films reduced the coefficient of friction due to the low shear strength of bonding in transfer films. CuO and CuS films decreased the wear rates in comparison to untreated sample for both dry and lubricated conditions. Also, CuO thin films exhibited better wear resistance than CuS films in dry and lubricated wear tests. The overall results revealed that both CuO and CuS films produced by SILAR can be an alternative to conventional solid lubricants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, CuS film was deposited onto fluorine-doped tin oxide (FTO) substrate using a facile chemical bath deposition method, and then modified by PbS using simple successive ionic layer absorption and reaction (SILAR) method with different cycles. These CuS/PbS films were utilized as counter electrodes (CEs) for CdSe/CdS co-sensitized solar cells. Field-emission scanning electron microscopy equipped with an energy-dispersive X-ray spectrometer was used to characterize the CuS/PbS films. The results show that CuS/PbS (10 cycles) CE exhibits an improved power conversion efficiency of 5.54% under the illumination of one sun (100 mW cm −2 ), which is higher than the CuS/PbS (0 cycles), CuS/PbS (5 cycles), and CuS/PbS (15 cycles) CEs. This enhancement is mainly attributed to good catalytic activity and lower charge-transfer and series resistances, which have been proved by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, and Tafel polarization measurements. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Photoelectrochemical (PEC) water splitting using high-performance catalysts shows considerable promise in generating environment-friendly hydrogen energy. Its practical applications, however, suffer from several shortcomings, such as low photocurrent density, large onset-voltage value, and poor durability. In this study, CuS and CdS quantum-dot-cosensitized porous TiO 2 -based PEC catalysts (CuS-CT) have been successfully synthesized via in situ sulfuration of CuO and CdO coexisting inside a porous TiO 2 monolith by a hydrothermal method. Compared to porous TiO 2 , CuS-sensitized porous TiO 2 (CuS-TiO 2 ), and CdS-sensitized porous TiO 2 (CdS-TiO 2 ) in terms of PEC performance, the CuS-CT photoanode exhibited a significantly high anodic photocurrent for water splitting under simulated sunlight radiation. The photocurrent produced by the optimized sample of 7% CuS-5% CdS-TiO 2 (7% CuS-CT) was nearly 2.7 times higher than that of pure porous TiO 2 at 1.0 V versus a reversible hydrogen electrode (RHE). Porous TiO 2 possesses large surface areas that can drive fast electrolyte transport and afford more surface reaction active sites. On the other hand, CuS and CdS quantum dots not only broaden the visible light absorption range, but also improve photoinduced electron-hole separation efficiency. The co-sensitized multi-nanostructures photoanodes lead to a remarkable and promising application in PEC water splitting reactions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Graphene‐like two‐dimensional (2D) nanomaterials have many unique properties in diverse fields, but the synthesis method of graphene‐like CuS 2D nanomaterials is rarely studied. In this work, we reported that the CuS flower‐like superstructure microspheres with a solid core (CuS‐FSMs) were prepared by a facile hydrolysis method without a template or surfactant. The novel CuS‐FSM material showed a well‐define solid core of approximately 300–500 nm and a loose shell of 0.5–1 μm. More importantly, the loose shell of the CuS‐FSMs was constructed of graphene‐like CuS nanosheets (CuS‐GN). The formation mechanism indicated that the CuS‐FSMs were firstly formed on the surface of hexagonal prism‐shaped Cu3(TAA)3Cl3 precursors, and then the well‐defined solid core was produced through the Ostwald ripening of CuS‐GN. The electrocatalytic oxygen evolution reaction was employed as a probe reaction to gain insight into the properties of CuS‐FSMs, which exhibited a high limiting current density of 92.4 mA cm−2 and stability in 1 M KOH electrolyte. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Failure of surgical treatment is usually the result of bacterial colonization around the implant. This subsequently brings about various diseases such as peri-implantitis and sepsis. The purpose of this study was to develop and evaluate the antimicrobial properties of polydopamine adhered eggshell powder-loaded copper sulfide antimicrobial coatings. Here, we used eggshell powder-loaded copper sulfide as an antimicrobial agent to form an antimicrobial coating on the surface of titanium alloy screws using the chelating action of polydopamine. The coating showed good antibacterial effects against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria represented by Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. A series of subsequent characterizations confirmed the perfect loading of the material on the screws, and subsequent friction experiments on porcine femurs also demonstrated the good adhesion of the antimicrobial coating. Meanwhile, cytotoxicity assessment was performed by the CCK-8 method, confirming cellular biosafety. This work explores the value of eggshell-loaded CuS nanomaterial coatings in the prevention and treatment of orthopedic endothelial infections, which contributes to the translational application of novel antimicrobial materials in the clinical setting and has important social and economic value. • In vivo simulated motion friction experiments using porcine femur verified that the titanium screw material has good adhesion. • CuS/CaCO 3 nanomaterials showed strong antibacterial ability against both Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. • Cytotoxicity experiments were performed to demonstrate the excellent biosafety of the CuS/CaCO 3 nanomaterials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

CuS-WO 3 composites were synthesized by an in situ solution method at low temperature. The crystalline phase, morphology, particle size, and the optical properties of CuS-WO 3 samples were characterized by XRD, SEM, XPS, and UV–vis diffuse reflectance spectra. CuS-WO 3 composites showed much higher activity for photocatalytic degradation of RhB as compared with WO 3 and CuS. The degradation rate constant over 1 wt% CuS-WO 3 catalyst was 4.4 times and 9.2 times higher than that of WO 3 and CuS, respectively. It is found that holes (h + ) and superoxide radical anions ( O 2 − ) are the dominant reactive species by using methanol, disodium ethylenediaminetetraacetate (EDTA) and ascorbic acid as scavengers. Band structure analysis shows that bottom of CB of WO 3 is very similar with and higher (ca. 0.01 eV) than the top of VB of CuS. The results of PL showed that the similarity renders the recombination between photogenerated holes on the VB of CuS and photogenerated electrons on the CB of WO 3 possible and easy, forming a direct Z-scheme in CuS-WO 3 . This result in that more electrons in the CB of CuS and holes in the VB of WO 3 survived, and then participated in the photocatalytic degradation of RhB, showing an increased activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The structural, compositional, electronic and luminescent properties of covelite (CuS) have been studied using copper acetate with the thiourea, in the presence of water-butanol and water-cyclohexanol as mixed solvents. The Hexagonal structure of the CuS samples was observed in the X-ray diffraction (XRD) pattern, which is due to different mixed solvents. The Cu S bond and atomic weight percentage were identified by the Fourier Transform Infrared (FT-IR) and Energy Dispersive X-ray (EDX) studies. The Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) of CuS particles revealed the rod and flake shaped morphologies for water-butanol, and water-cyclohexanol, respectively. The bandgap energies of CuS nanostructures were calculated from the UV–Visible (UV–Vis) absorption spectra, and optical band energy curve. The UV and visible emission bands were observed from the PL spectra; this was due to the sulfur vacancy defects. From the CV study, it was found that the water-cyclohexanol assisted CuS sample has enhanced electrochemical properties than water-butanol assisted CuS sample. From the efficiency of the catalysts, the percentage degradation of the cango red (CR) dye was estimated from the mixed solvents assisted CuS samples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two-dimensional (2D) transition metal chalcogenides have been widely studied and utilized as electrode materials for lithium ion batteries due to their unique layered structures to accommodate reversible lithium insertion. Real-time observation and mechanistic understanding of the phase transformations during lithiation of these materials are critically important for improving battery performance by controlling structures and reaction pathways. Here, we use in situ transmission electron microscopy methods to study the structural, morphological, and chemical evolutions in individual copper sulfide (CuS) nanoflakes during lithiation. We report a highly kinetically driven phase transformation in which lithium ions rapidly intercalate into the 2D van der Waals-stacked interlayers in the initial stage, and further lithiation induces the Cu extrusion via a displacement reaction mechanism that is different from the typical conversion reactions. Density functional theory calculations have confirmed both the thermodynamically favored and the kinetically driven reaction pathways. Our findings elucidate the reaction pathways of the Li/CuS system under nonequilibrium conditions and provide valuable insight into the atomistic lithiation mechanisms of transition metal sulfides in general. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]