Preparation of CuS-graphene oxide/TiO2 composites designed for high photonic effect and photocatalytic activity under visible light

CuS-graphene oxide/TiO2 composites were prepared using a sol-gel method to improve the photocatalytic performance of the photocatalyst. The composites were characterized by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, energy-dispersive X-ray analysis, and transmission electron microscopy. The photocatalytic activities were examined by the degradation of methylene blue (MB) under visible-light irradiation. The photodegradation of MB under visible-light irradiation reached 90.1% after 120 min. The kinetics of MB degradation was plotted alongside the values calculated from the Langmuir-Hinshelwood equation. The CuS-graphene oxide/TiO2 sample prepared using 0.2 mol of TiO2 showed the best photocatalytic activity. This was attributed to a cooperative reaction as a result of increased photoabsorption by graphene oxide and an increased photocatalytic effect by CuS.

Graphical abstractCuS-graphene oxide/TiO2 composite nanoparticles were prepared using a sol-gel reaction by the precipitation reaction of Cu(NO3)2 and Na2S solutions and TiOSO4H2O on graphene oxide. The photocatalytic activity of CuS-graphene oxide/TiO2 under visible light was examined.Figure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slide