Synergistic enhancement of photocatalytic performance in flower-like CuS/RGO composite through integrated microwave absorption and photothermal effects

In this study, flower-like copper sulfide/reduced graphene oxide (CuS/RGO) composite multifunctional photocatalysts were synthesized via a facile hydrothermal method, exhibiting outstanding microwave absorption and photocatalytic performance. The morphology, specific surface area, surface chemical state, microwave absorption properties, and photocatalytic activity of the composites were systematically characterized. The results revealed that the photodegradation performance of the flower-like CuS/RGO-20% composite was remarkably enhanced, showing a 3–4 fold improvement compared to pure RGO and pure CuS. Notable, the CuS/RGO composite demonstrated superior photocatalytic activity, attaining a methylene blue (MB) degradation efficiency of 76.8% under visible light irradiation within 120 min. Furthermore, the flower-like CuS/RGO-20% composite exhibited excellent photodegradation stability, retaining an MB removal rate exceeding 80% even after five consecutive cycles. In parallel, the multifunctional CuS/RGO composite displayed exceptional microwave absorption capabilities, achieving a minimum reflection loss (RL _min ) of –28.4 dB at a thin thickness of 3.5 mm and a frequency of 6.4 GHz, along with a broad effective absorption bandwidth (EAB) of 3.52 GHz. This study offers valuable perspectives for the design of multifunctional photocatalysts aimed at the remediation of textile dyeing wastewater.