| Article ID | Journal | Published Year | Pages | File Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 26642 | Journal of Photochemistry and Photobiology A: Chemistry | 2013 | 7 Pages |
Thin films of CuxS were deposited by robotic spray pyrolysis technique, at T = 300 °C, using 20–50 spraying sequences, from water:ethanol:glycerol = 7:2:1 (in volumes) precursor solutions with molar ratio Cu:S = 1:2.5–3.5. Relative homogenous and uniform films of CuxS (x = 1.8, 2), with 321–571 nm thickness, granular morphology and Eg = 2.11–2.78 eV were obtained. The photocatalytic activity of the films was evaluated based on the degradation of methylene blue in aqueous solution containing H2O2, under visible (VIS) light irradiation. Efficiencies of 90–99% and 84–89%, after 4 and 12 h, respectively, under visible light irradiation, showed that CuxS films are promising materials for organic pollutants (dyes) photodegradation.
Graphical abstractFigure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slideHighlights► Thin films of CuxS were deposited by spray pyrolysis technique, at T = 300 °C. ► Uniform films of CuxS (x = 1.8, 2), with 321–571 nm thickness, granular morphology. ► Polar and dispersive component of the surface energy varies function of composition. ► The films have Eg = 2.11–2.78 eV. ► The photocatalytic efficiency of dye degradation varies from 84% up to 99%.
