Synthesis of ZnO@CuS Core–Shell Nanocomposites by Thermal Decomposition Method and Their Photocatalytic Application

Abstract

Considerable work is being carried out recently to develop nanomaterials which can act as photocatalyst under sunlight. In the present study, ZnO@CuS core–shell nanocomposites were synthesized and their photocatalytic activity has been investigated. The nanocomposites were prepared by thermal decomposition of a single molecular precursor, cyclo-tri-μ-thioacetamide-tris(chlorocopper(I)) complex ([Cu3TAA3Cl3]), in the presence of ZnO nanorods in diphenyl ether at 200 °C. The effect of reaction time and precursor concentration on copper sulfide shell formation have been investigated. The ZnO@CuS core–shell nanocomposites were characterized using different techniques such as XRD, FE-SEM, TEM, FT-IR, UV-Vis, DRS and XPS. As compared to bare ZnO nanorods, the ZnO@CuS nanocomposites show better photocatalytic activity towards degradation of congo red in an aqueous solution under sunlight.