Influence of synthesis parameters on ultrasonicated CuS nanostructures for application of photocatalytic process in the treatment of polluted water under solar light.

This study investigates the effect of synthesis parameters on the ultrasonication preparation of copper sulfide (CuS) nanostructures for polluted water treatment under solar light irradiation. This study seeks to answer how synthesis parameters, specifically sulfur concentration, ultrasonication power, and time, influence the physical and photocatalytic properties of CuS nanostructures under solar light irradiation. The samples are characterized using X-ray diffraction (XRD), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), energy-dispersive X-ray (EDX), and UV-Vis-NIR absorption spectroscopies. The results indicate that increasing the S concentrations and ultrasonication time decreased (from 6.61×10−3 to 2.25×10−3) and increased (from 3.36×10−3 to 11.21×10−3) strain of CuS nanostructures, respectively. Also, an increase in the mentioned parameters increased (from 40.16 to 90.36 nm and from 90.36 to 111.25 nm for increasing the S concentrations and ultrasonication time, respectively) the mean CuS nanostructure size observed by FESEM images. Increment in the ultrasonication power and time improved the optical absorption ability of CuS nanostructures in the UV-Vis-NIR regions. Photocatalytic activity of the CuS nanostructures for degradation of methyl orange dye under solar light irradiation is checked and a correlation between them and studied physical properties is presented. [Display omitted] • Investigates synthesis parameters on sonochemical CuS nanostructures. • Links synthesis parameters to phase purity, crystallinity, and morphology. • Enhanced ultrasonic conditions improve UV-Vis-NIR optical absorption. • Tailored synthesis optimizes electronic structure and photocatalytic activity. • Promising application in polluted water treatment under solar light. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]