Study of precursor-dependent CuS nanostructures: crystallographic, morphological, optical and photocatalytic activity

Diethylenetriamine (DETA)-assisted solvothermal method is explored for the synthesis of CuS nanostructures (NSs). Cu(ethylxanthate)2, Cu(morpholine-4-dithiocarbamate)2 and Cu(piperazine-1-dithiocarbamate)2 are used as efficient single source precursors for the synthesis of CuS NSs. DETA acts as stabilizing as well as reducing agent. Diffraction and electron microscopy techniques are used for the analyses of crystallographic and morphological features of the synthesized NSs. Synthesized NSs crystalize in hexagonal crystal structure, having average crystallite size ~28.95, 32.85 and 33.30 nm for CuS prepared from Cu(ethylxanthate)2, Cu(morpholine-4-dithiocarbamate)2 and Cu(piperazine-1-dithiocarbamate)2 precursors, respectively. Transmission electron microscope analysis shows the formation of multi-faceted NSs. Topographical studies carried out with the help of field-emission scanning electron microscope reveal the agglomeration of layered NSs. Photocatalytic activity of synthesized CuS NSs is assessed by evaluating the degradation of methylene-blue dye aqueous solution under visible light irradiation. Photocatalytic activity dependence on morphology is thoroughly studied.