The non-biodegradable nature of waste emitted from the agriculture and industrial sector contaminates freshwater reserves. Fabrication of highly effective and low-cost heterogeneous photocatalysts is crucial for sustainable wastewater treatment. The present research study aims to construct a novel photocatalyst using a facile ultrasonication-assisted hydrothermal method. Metal sulphides and doped carbon support materials work well to fabricate hybrid sunlight active systems that efficiently harness green energy and are eco-friendly. Boron-doped graphene oxide-supported copper sulphide nanocomposite was synthesized hydrothermally and was assessed for sunlight assisted photocatalytic degradation of methylene blue dye. BGO/CuS was characterized through various techniques such as SEM–EDS, XRD, XPS, FTIR, BET, PL, and UV–Vis DRS spectroscopy.
The bandgap of BGO-CuS was found to be 2.51 eV as evaluated through the TAUC plot method. The enhanced dye degradation was obtained at optimum conditions of pH = 8, catalyst concentration(20 mg/100 mL for BGO-CuS), Oxidant dose (10 mM for BGO-CuS), and optimum time of irradiation was 60 min. The novel boron-doped nanocomposite effectively degraded methylene blue up to 95% under sunlight. Holes and hydroxyl radicals were the key reactive species. Response surface methodology was used to analyze the interaction among several interacting parameters to remove dye methylene blue effectively.
Materials and reagents. Sodium Nitrate (NaNO3, > 99%), Potassium Permanganate (KMnO4, > 99%), Copper(II) Nitrate Trihydrate (CuH2N2O7, > 99%) Sulfuric Acid (H2SO4, 98%), Hydrogen Peroxide (H2O2, 35w/w%), ethanol (CH3CH2OH, 95.6%), Boric acid (H3BO3, 99.5%), and Thiourea (CSN2H4, 96%) were purchased from Sigma Aldrich (USA). The dye methylene blue was obtained from the Fischer Scientific company. The graphite powder was obtained from Scharlau (Spain). Boric acid, Copper (II) Nitrate trihydrate, and Thiourea were obtained from Dae Jung (South Korea). Sodium Nitrate and potassium permanganate were obtained from Merck.
All the compounds were of analytical quality, and none underwent further purification before usage. Throughout the research project, distilled water was used for carrying out all reactions. Synthesis of GO, BGO. A modified version of Hummer’s technique was employed to produce graphene oxide (Fig. S1), as previously reported by our research group 42. Prepared GO was dispersed ultrasonically and mixed in an aqueous solution containing boric acid in a 1:3 ratio, resulting in boron-doped graphene oxide synthesis 43. The hydrothermal method was used to make the CuS/GO nanocomposites, as previously reported by Saranya et al.44. All the synthesis details are presented in the synthesis section of (supplementary information).
The binary boron-doped graphene oxide/copper sulphide (BGO-CuS) nanocomposite was prepared by the ultrasonication-assisted facile hydrothermal method. The hydrothermal technique was used to make the CuS/BGO nanocomposites. Firstly, a uniform suspension of boron-doped graphene oxide was obtained by dissolving 0.02 g in 50 mL of distilled water. The mixture was then ultrasonicated for 30 min to obtain a uniform suspension. The appropriate amount of copper nitrate (Cu(NO3)2 was added to 40 mL distilled water, and the solution was constantly stirred until a blue solution formed. After that, thiourea was added under constant magnetic stirring.
After the solution had been well mixed, 0.2 g of already properly dispersed BGO was added to the mixture in a dropwise manner in about an hour. After vigorous magnetic stirring for another two hours, the solution was poured into an autoclaved, which was kept for 24 h at 180C in an oven. BGO/CuS nanocomposite was obtained by centrifuging the black precipitate with distilled water and ethanol after drying it in an oven. Figure 1 depicts a schematic diagram of a novel composite synthesis. Characterization and equipment. A scanning electron microscope (SEM) equipped with energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) was used to characterize the morphology, elemental analysis, and microstructure of as-produced GO-CuS.
The non-biodegradable nature of waste emitted from the agriculture and industrial sector contaminates freshwater reserves. Fabrication of highly effective and low-cost heterogeneous photocatalysts is crucial for sustainable wastewater treatment. The present research study aims to construct a novel photocatalyst using a facile ultrasonication-assisted hydrothermal method. Metal sulphides and doped carbon support materials work well to fabricate hybrid sunlight active systems that efficiently harness green energy and are eco-friendly. Boron-doped graphene oxide-supported copper sulphide nanocomposite was synthesized hydrothermally and was assessed for sunlight assisted photocatalytic degradation of methylene blue dye. BGO/CuS was characterized through various techniques such as SEM–EDS, XRD, XPS, FTIR, BET, PL, and UV–Vis DRS spectroscopy.
The bandgap of BGO-CuS was found to be 2.51 eV as evaluated through the TAUC plot method. The enhanced dye degradation was obtained at optimum conditions of pH = 8, catalyst concentration(20 mg/100 mL for BGO-CuS), Oxidant dose (10 mM for BGO-CuS), and optimum time of irradiation was 60 min. The novel boron-doped nanocomposite effectively degraded methylene blue up to 95% under sunlight. Holes and hydroxyl radicals were the key reactive species. Response surface methodology was used to analyze the interaction among several interacting parameters to remove dye methylene blue effectively.
Materials and reagents. Sodium Nitrate (NaNO3, > 99%), Potassium Permanganate (KMnO4, > 99%), Copper(II) Nitrate Trihydrate (CuH2N2O7, > 99%) Sulfuric Acid (H2SO4, 98%), Hydrogen Peroxide (H2O2, 35w/w%), ethanol (CH3CH2OH, 95.6%), Boric acid (H3BO3, 99.5%), and Thiourea (CSN2H4, 96%) were purchased from Sigma Aldrich (USA). The dye methylene blue was obtained from the Fischer Scientific company. The graphite powder was obtained from Scharlau (Spain). Boric acid, Copper (II) Nitrate trihydrate, and Thiourea were obtained from Dae Jung (South Korea). Sodium Nitrate and potassium permanganate were obtained from Merck.
All the compounds were of analytical quality, and none underwent further purification before usage. Throughout the research project, distilled water was used for carrying out all reactions. Synthesis of GO, BGO. A modified version of Hummer’s technique was employed to produce graphene oxide (Fig. S1), as previously reported by our research group 42. Prepared GO was dispersed ultrasonically and mixed in an aqueous solution containing boric acid in a 1:3 ratio, resulting in boron-doped graphene oxide synthesis 43. The hydrothermal method was used to make the CuS/GO nanocomposites, as previously reported by Saranya et al.44. All the synthesis details are presented in the synthesis section of (supplementary information).
The binary boron-doped graphene oxide/copper sulphide (BGO-CuS) nanocomposite was prepared by the ultrasonication-assisted facile hydrothermal method. The hydrothermal technique was used to make the CuS/BGO nanocomposites. Firstly, a uniform suspension of boron-doped graphene oxide was obtained by dissolving 0.02 g in 50 mL of distilled water. The mixture was then ultrasonicated for 30 min to obtain a uniform suspension. The appropriate amount of copper nitrate (Cu(NO3)2 was added to 40 mL distilled water, and the solution was constantly stirred until a blue solution formed. After that, thiourea was added under constant magnetic stirring.
After the solution had been well mixed, 0.2 g of already properly dispersed BGO was added to the mixture in a dropwise manner in about an hour. After vigorous magnetic stirring for another two hours, the solution was poured into an autoclaved, which was kept for 24 h at 180C in an oven. BGO/CuS nanocomposite was obtained by centrifuging the black precipitate with distilled water and ethanol after drying it in an oven. Figure 1 depicts a schematic diagram of a novel composite synthesis. Characterization and equipment. A scanning electron microscope (SEM) equipped with energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) was used to characterize the morphology, elemental analysis, and microstructure of as-produced GO-CuS.
The non-biodegradable nature of waste emitted from the agriculture and industrial sector contaminates freshwater reserves. Fabrication of highly effective and low-cost heterogeneous photocatalysts is crucial for sustainable wastewater treatment. The present research study aims to construct a novel photocatalyst using a facile ultrasonication-assisted hydrothermal method. Metal sulphides and doped carbon support materials work well to fabricate hybrid sunlight active systems that efficiently harness green energy and are eco-friendly. Boron-doped graphene oxide-supported copper sulphide nanocomposite was synthesized hydrothermally and was assessed for sunlight assisted photocatalytic degradation of methylene blue dye. BGO/CuS was characterized through various techniques such as SEM–EDS, XRD, XPS, FTIR, BET, PL, and UV–Vis DRS spectroscopy.
The bandgap of BGO-CuS was found to be 2.51 eV as evaluated through the TAUC plot method. The enhanced dye degradation was obtained at optimum conditions of pH = 8, catalyst concentration(20 mg/100 mL for BGO-CuS), Oxidant dose (10 mM for BGO-CuS), and optimum time of irradiation was 60 min. The novel boron-doped nanocomposite effectively degraded methylene blue up to 95% under sunlight. Holes and hydroxyl radicals were the key reactive species. Response surface methodology was used to analyze the interaction among several interacting parameters to remove dye methylene blue effectively.
Materials and reagents. Sodium Nitrate (NaNO3, > 99%), Potassium Permanganate (KMnO4, > 99%), Copper(II) Nitrate Trihydrate (CuH2N2O7, > 99%) Sulfuric Acid (H2SO4, 98%), Hydrogen Peroxide (H2O2, 35w/w%), ethanol (CH3CH2OH, 95.6%), Boric acid (H3BO3, 99.5%), and Thiourea (CSN2H4, 96%) were purchased from Sigma Aldrich (USA). The dye methylene blue was obtained from the Fischer Scientific company. The graphite powder was obtained from Scharlau (Spain). Boric acid, Copper (II) Nitrate trihydrate, and Thiourea were obtained from Dae Jung (South Korea). Sodium Nitrate and potassium permanganate were obtained from Merck.
All the compounds were of analytical quality, and none underwent further purification before usage. Throughout the research project, distilled water was used for carrying out all reactions. Synthesis of GO, BGO. A modified version of Hummer’s technique was employed to produce graphene oxide (Fig. S1), as previously reported by our research group 42. Prepared GO was dispersed ultrasonically and mixed in an aqueous solution containing boric acid in a 1:3 ratio, resulting in boron-doped graphene oxide synthesis 43. The hydrothermal method was used to make the CuS/GO nanocomposites, as previously reported by Saranya et al.44. All the synthesis details are presented in the synthesis section of (supplementary information).
Synthesis of BGO‑CuS. The binary boron-doped graphene oxide/copper sulphide (BGO-CuS) nanocomposite was prepared by the ultrasonication-assisted facile hydrothermal method. The hydrothermal technique was used to make the CuS/BGO nanocomposites. Firstly, a uniform suspension of boron-doped graphene oxide was obtained by dissolving 0.02 g in 50 mL of distilled water. The mixture was then ultrasonicated for 30 min to obtain a uniform suspension. The appropriate amount of copper nitrate (Cu(NO3)2 was added to 40 mL distilled water, and the solution was constantly stirred until a blue solution formed. After that, thiourea was added under constant magnetic stirring.
After the solution had been well mixed, 0.2 g of already properly dispersed BGO was added to the mixture in a dropwise manner in about an hour. After vigorous magnetic stirring for another two hours, the solution was poured into an autoclaved, which was kept for 24 h at 180C in an oven. BGO/CuS nanocomposite was obtained by centrifuging the black precipitate with distilled water and ethanol after drying it in an oven. Figure 1 depicts a schematic diagram of a novel composite synthesis. Characterization and equipment. A scanning electron microscope (SEM) equipped with energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) was used to characterize the morphology, elemental analysis, and microstructure of as-produced GO-CuS.
The non-biodegradable nature of waste emitted from the agriculture and industrial sector contaminates freshwater reserves. Fabrication of highly effective and low-cost heterogeneous photocatalysts is crucial for sustainable wastewater treatment. The present research study aims to construct a novel photocatalyst using a facile ultrasonication-assisted hydrothermal method. Metal sulphides and doped carbon support materials work well to fabricate hybrid sunlight active systems that efficiently harness green energy and are eco-friendly. Boron-doped graphene oxide-supported copper sulphide nanocomposite was synthesized hydrothermally and was assessed for sunlight assisted photocatalytic degradation of methylene blue dye. BGO/CuS was characterized through various techniques such as SEM–EDS, XRD, XPS, FTIR, BET, PL, and UV–Vis DRS spectroscopy.
The bandgap of BGO-CuS was found to be 2.51 eV as evaluated through the TAUC plot method. The enhanced dye degradation was obtained at optimum conditions of pH = 8, catalyst concentration(20 mg/100 mL for BGO-CuS), Oxidant dose (10 mM for BGO-CuS), and optimum time of irradiation was 60 min. The novel boron-doped nanocomposite effectively degraded methylene blue up to 95% under sunlight. Holes and hydroxyl radicals were the key reactive species. Response surface methodology was used to analyze the interaction among several interacting parameters to remove dye methylene blue effectively.
Materials and reagents. Sodium Nitrate (NaNO3, > 99%), Potassium Permanganate (KMnO4, > 99%), Copper(II) Nitrate Trihydrate (CuH2N2O7, > 99%) Sulfuric Acid (H2SO4, 98%), Hydrogen Peroxide (H2O2, 35w/w%), ethanol (CH3CH2OH, 95.6%), Boric acid (H3BO3, 99.5%), and Thiourea (CSN2H4, 96%) were purchased from Sigma Aldrich (USA). The dye methylene blue was obtained from the Fischer Scientific company. The graphite powder was obtained from Scharlau (Spain). Boric acid, Copper (II) Nitrate trihydrate, and Thiourea were obtained from Dae Jung (South Korea). Sodium Nitrate and potassium permanganate were obtained from Merck.
All the compounds were of analytical quality, and none underwent further purification before usage. Throughout the research project, distilled water was used for carrying out all reactions. Synthesis of GO, BGO. A modified version of Hummer’s technique was employed to produce graphene oxide (Fig. S1), as previously reported by our research group 42. Prepared GO was dispersed ultrasonically and mixed in an aqueous solution containing boric acid in a 1:3 ratio, resulting in boron-doped graphene oxide synthesis 43. The hydrothermal method was used to make the CuS/GO nanocomposites, as previously reported by Saranya et al.44. All the synthesis details are presented in the synthesis section of (supplementary information).
Synthesis of BGO‑CuS. The binary boron-doped graphene oxide/copper sulphide (BGO-CuS) nanocomposite was prepared by the ultrasonication-assisted facile hydrothermal method. The hydrothermal technique was used to make the CuS/BGO nanocomposites. Firstly, a uniform suspension of boron-doped graphene oxide was obtained by dissolving 0.02 g in 50 mL of distilled water. The mixture was then ultrasonicated for 30 min to obtain a uniform suspension. The appropriate amount of copper nitrate (Cu(NO3)2 was added to 40 mL distilled water, and the solution was constantly stirred until a blue solution formed. After that, thiourea was added under constant magnetic stirring.
After the solution had been well mixed, 0.2 g of already properly dispersed BGO was added to the mixture in a dropwise manner in about an hour. After vigorous magnetic stirring for another two hours, the solution was poured into an autoclaved, which was kept for 24 h at 180C in an oven. BGO/CuS nanocomposite was obtained by centrifuging the black precipitate with distilled water and ethanol after drying it in an oven. Figure 1 depicts a schematic diagram of a novel composite synthesis. Characterization and equipment. A scanning electron microscope (SEM) equipped with energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) was used to characterize the morphology, elemental analysis, and m
The non-biodegradable nature of waste emitted from the agriculture and industrial sector contaminates freshwater reserves. Fabrication of highly effective and low-cost heterogeneous photocatalysts is crucial for sustainable wastewater treatment. The present research study aims to construct a novel photocatalyst using a facile ultrasonication-assisted hydrothermal method. Metal sulphides and doped carbon support materials work well to fabricate hybrid sunlight active systems that efficiently harness green energy and are eco-friendly. Boron-doped graphene oxide-supported copper sulphide nanocomposite was synthesized hydrothermally and was assessed for sunlight assisted photocatalytic degradation of methylene blue dye. BGO/CuS was characterized through various techniques such as SEM–EDS, XRD, XPS, FTIR, BET, PL, and UV–Vis DRS spectroscopy.
The bandgap of BGO-CuS was found to be 2.51 eV as evaluated through the TAUC plot method. The enhanced dye degradation was obtained at optimum conditions of pH = 8, catalyst concentration(20 mg/100 mL for BGO-CuS), Oxidant dose (10 mM for BGO-CuS), and optimum time of irradiation was 60 min. The novel boron-doped nanocomposite effectively degraded methylene blue up to 95% under sunlight. Holes and hydroxyl radicals were the key reactive species. Response surface methodology was used to analyze the interaction among several interacting parameters to remove dye methylene blue effectively.
Materials and reagents. Sodium Nitrate (NaNO3, > 99%), Potassium Permanganate (KMnO4, > 99%), Copper(II) Nitrate Trihydrate (CuH2N2O7, > 99%) Sulfuric Acid (H2SO4, 98%), Hydrogen Peroxide (H2O2, 35w/w%), ethanol (CH3CH2OH, 95.6%), Boric acid (H3BO3, 99.5%), and Thiourea (CSN2H4, 96%) were purchased from Sigma Aldrich (USA). The dye methylene blue was obtained from the Fischer Scientific company. The graphite powder was obtained from Scharlau (Spain). Boric acid, Copper (II) Nitrate trihydrate, and Thiourea were obtained from Dae Jung (South Korea). Sodium Nitrate and potassium permanganate were obtained from Merck.
All the compounds were of analytical quality, and none underwent further purification before usage. Throughout the research project, distilled water was used for carrying out all reactions. Synthesis of GO, BGO. A modified version of Hummer’s technique was employed to produce graphene oxide (Fig. S1), as previously reported by our research group 42. Prepared GO was dispersed ultrasonically and mixed in an aqueous solution containing boric acid in a 1:3 ratio, resulting in boron-doped graphene oxide synthesis 43. The hydrothermal method was used to make the CuS/GO nanocomposites, as previously reported by Saranya et al.44. All the synthesis details are presented in the synthesis section of (supplementary information).
Synthesis of BGO‑CuS. The binary boron-doped graphene oxide/copper sulphide (BGO-CuS) nanocomposite was prepared by the ultrasonication-assisted facile hydrothermal method. The hydrothermal technique was used to make the CuS/BGO nanocomposites. Firstly, a uniform suspension of boron-doped graphene oxide was obtained by dissolving 0.02 g in 50 mL of distilled water. The mixture was then ultrasonicated for 30 min to obtain a uniform suspension. The appropriate amount of copper nitrate (Cu(NO3)2 was added to 40 mL distilled water, and the solution was constantly stirred until a blue solution formed. After that, thiourea was added under constant magnetic stirring.
After the solution had been well mixed, 0.2 g of already properly dispersed BGO was added to the mixture in a dropwise manner in about an hour. After vigorous magnetic stirring for another two hours, the solution was poured into an autoclaved, which was kept for 24 h at 180C in an oven. BGO/CuS nanocomposite was obtained by centrifuging the black precipitate with distilled water and ethanol after drying it in an oven. Figure 1 depicts a schematic diagram of a novel composite synthesis. Characterization and equipment. A scanning electron microscope (SEM) equipped with energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) was used to characterize the morphology, elemental analysis, and microstructure of as-produced GO-CuS.
The non-biodegradable nature of waste emitted from the agriculture and industrial sector contaminates freshwater reserves. Fabrication of highly effective and low-cost heterogeneous photocatalysts is crucial for sustainable wastewater treatment. The present research study aims to construct a novel photocatalyst using a facile ultrasonication-assisted hydrothermal method. Metal sulphides and doped carbon support materials work well to fabricate hybrid sunlight active systems that efficiently harness green energy and are eco-friendly. Boron-doped graphene oxide-supported copper sulphide nanocomposite was synthesized hydrothermally and was assessed for sunlight assisted photocatalytic degradation of methylene blue dye. BGO/CuS was characterized through various techniques such as SEM–EDS, XRD, XPS, FTIR, BET, PL, and UV–Vis DRS spectroscopy.
The bandgap of BGO-CuS was found to be 2.51 eV as evaluated through the TAUC plot method. The enhanced dye degradation was obtained at optimum conditions of pH = 8, catalyst concentration(20 mg/100 mL for BGO-CuS), Oxidant dose (10 mM for BGO-CuS), and optimum time of irradiation was 60 min. The novel boron-doped nanocomposite effectively degraded methylene blue up to 95% under sunlight. Holes and hydroxyl radicals were the key reactive species. Response surface methodology was used to analyze the interaction among several interacting parameters to remove dye methylene blue effectively.
Materials and reagents. Sodium Nitrate (NaNO3, > 99%), Potassium Permanganate (KMnO4, > 99%), Copper(II) Nitrate Trihydrate (CuH2N2O7, > 99%) Sulfuric Acid (H2SO4, 98%), Hydrogen Peroxide (H2O2, 35w/w%), ethanol (CH3CH2OH, 95.6%), Boric acid (H3BO3, 99.5%), and Thiourea (CSN2H4, 96%) were purchased from Sigma Aldrich (USA). The dye methylene blue was obtained from the Fischer Scientific company. The graphite powder was obtained from Scharlau (Spain). Boric acid, Copper (II) Nitrate trihydrate, and Thiourea were obtained from Dae Jung (South Korea). Sodium Nitrate and potassium permanganate were obtained from Merck.
All the compounds were of analytical quality, and none underwent further purification before usage. Throughout the research project, distilled water was used for carrying out all reactions. Synthesis of GO, BGO. A modified version of Hummer’s technique was employed to produce graphene oxide (Fig. S1), as previously reported by our research group 42. Prepared GO was dispersed ultrasonically and mixed in an aqueous solution containing boric acid in a 1:3 ratio, resulting in boron-doped graphene oxide synthesis 43. The hydrothermal method was used to make the CuS/GO nanocomposites, as previously reported by Saranya et al.44. All the synthesis details are presented in the synthesis section of (supplementary information).
Synthesis of BGO‑CuS. The binary boron-doped graphene oxide/copper sulphide (BGO-CuS) nanocomposite was prepared by the ultrasonication-assisted facile hydrothermal method. The hydrothermal technique was used to make the CuS/BGO nanocomposites. Firstly, a uniform suspension of boron-doped graphene oxide was obtained by dissolving 0.02 g in 50 mL of distilled water. The mixture was then ultrasonicated for 30 min to obtain a uniform suspension. The appropriate amount of copper nitrate (Cu(NO3)2 was added to 40 mL distilled water, and the solution was constantly stirred until a blue solution formed. After that, thiourea was added under constant magnetic stirring.
After the solution had been well mixed, 0.2 g of already properly dispersed BGO was added to the mixture in a dropwise manner in about an hour. After vigorous magnetic stirring for another two hours, the solution was poured into an autoclaved, which was kept for 24 h at 180C in an oven. BGO/CuS nanocomposite was obtained by centrifuging the black precipitate with distilled water and ethanol after drying it in an oven. Figure 1 depicts a schematic diagram of a novel composite synthesis. Characterization and equipment. A scanning electron microscope (SEM) equipped with energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) was used to characterize the morphology, elemental analysis, and microstructure of as-produced GO-CuS.
The non-biodegradable nature of waste emitted from the agriculture and industrial sector contaminates freshwater reserves. Fabrication of highly effective and low-cost heterogeneous photocatalysts is crucial for sustainable wastewater treatment. The present research study aims to construct a novel photocatalyst using a facile ultrasonication-assisted hydrothermal method. Metal sulphides and doped carbon support materials work well to fabricate hybrid sunlight active systems that efficiently harness green energy and are eco-friendly. Boron-doped graphene oxide-supported copper sulphide nanocomposite was synthesized hydrothermally and was assessed for sunlight assisted photocatalytic degradation of methylene blue dye. BGO/CuS was characterized through various techniques such as SEM–EDS, XRD, XPS, FTIR, BET, PL, and UV–Vis DRS spectroscopy.
The bandgap of BGO-CuS was found to be 2.51 eV as evaluated through the TAUC plot method. The enhanced dye degradation was obtained at optimum conditions of pH = 8, catalyst concentration(20 mg/100 mL for BGO-CuS), Oxidant dose (10 mM for BGO-CuS), and optimum time of irradiation was 60 min. The novel boron-doped nanocomposite effectively degraded methylene blue up to 95% under sunlight. Holes and hydroxyl radicals were the key reactive species. Response surface methodology was used to analyze the interaction among several interacting parameters to remove dye methylene blue effectively.
Materials and reagents. Sodium Nitrate (NaNO3, > 99%), Potassium Permanganate (KMnO4, > 99%), Copper(II) Nitrate Trihydrate (CuH2N2O7, > 99%) Sulfuric Acid (H2SO4, 98%), Hydrogen Peroxide (H2O2, 35w/w%), ethanol (CH3CH2OH, 95.6%), Boric acid (H3BO3, 99.5%), and Thiourea (CSN2H4, 96%) were purchased from Sigma Aldrich (USA). The dye methylene blue was obtained from the Fischer Scientific company. The graphite powder was obtained from Scharlau (Spain). Boric acid, Copper (II) Nitrate trihydrate, and Thiourea were obtained from Dae Jung (South Korea). Sodium Nitrate and potassium permanganate were obtained from Merck.
All the compounds were of analytical quality, and none underwent further purification before usage. Throughout the research project, distilled water was used for carrying out all reactions. Synthesis of GO, BGO. A modified version of Hummer’s technique was employed to produce graphene oxide (Fig. S1), as previously reported by our research group 42. Prepared GO was dispersed ultrasonically and mixed in an aqueous solution containing boric acid in a 1:3 ratio, resulting in boron-doped graphene oxide synthesis 43. The hydrothermal method was used to make the CuS/GO nanocomposites, as previously reported by Saranya et al.44. All the synthesis details are presented in the synthesis section of (supplementary information).
Synthesis of BGO‑CuS. The binary boron-doped graphene oxide/copper sulphide (BGO-CuS) nanocomposite was prepared by the ultrasonication-assisted facile hydrothermal method. The hydrothermal technique was used to make the CuS/BGO nanocomposites. Firstly, a uniform suspension of boron-doped graphene oxide was obtained by dissolving 0.02 g in 50 mL of distilled water. The mixture was then ultrasonicated for 30 min to obtain a uniform suspension. The appropriate amount of copper nitrate (Cu(NO3)2 was added to 40 mL distilled water, and the solution was constantly stirred until a blue solution formed. After that, thiourea was added under constant magnetic stirring.
After the solution had been well mixed, 0.2 g of already properly dispersed BGO was added to the mixture in a dropwise manner in about an hour. After vigorous magnetic stirring for another two hours, the solution was poured into an autoclaved, which was kept for 24 h at 180C in an oven. BGO/CuS nanocomposite was obtained by centrifuging the black precipitate with distilled water and ethanol after drying it in an oven. Figure 1 depicts a schematic diagram of a novel composite synthesis. Characterization and equipment. A scanning electron microscope (SEM) equipped with energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) was used to characterize the morphology, elemental analysis, and microstructure of as-produced GO-CuS.
The non-biodegradable nature of waste emitted from the agriculture and industrial sector contaminates freshwater reserves. Fabrication of highly effective and low-cost heterogeneous photocatalysts is crucial for sustainable wastewater treatment. The present research study aims to construct a novel photocatalyst using a facile ultrasonication-assisted hydrothermal method. Metal sulphides and doped carbon support materials work well to fabricate hybrid sunlight active systems that efficiently harness green energy and are eco-friendly. Boron-doped graphene oxide-supported copper sulphide nanocomposite was synthesized hydrothermally and was assessed for sunlight assisted photocatalytic degradation of methylene blue dye. BGO/CuS was characterized through various techniques such as SEM–EDS, XRD, XPS, FTIR, BET, PL, and UV–Vis DRS spectroscopy.
The bandgap of BGO-CuS was found to be 2.51 eV as evaluated through the TAUC plot method. The enhanced dye degradation was obtained at optimum conditions of pH = 8, catalyst concentration(20 mg/100 mL for BGO-CuS), Oxidant dose (10 mM for BGO-CuS), and optimum time of irradiation was 60 min. The novel boron-doped nanocomposite effectively degraded methylene blue up to 95% under sunlight. Holes and hydroxyl radicals were the key reactive species. Response surface methodology was used to analyze the interaction among several interacting parameters to remove dye methylene blue effectively.
Materials and reagents. Sodium Nitrate (NaNO3, > 99%), Potassium Permanganate (KMnO4, > 99%), Copper(II) Nitrate Trihydrate (CuH2N2O7, > 99%) Sulfuric Acid (H2SO4, 98%), Hydrogen Peroxide (H2O2, 35w/w%), ethanol (CH3CH2OH, 95.6%), Boric acid (H3BO3, 99.5%), and Thiourea (CSN2H4, 96%) were purchased from Sigma Aldrich (USA). The dye methylene blue was obtained from the Fischer Scientific company. The graphite powder was obtained from Scharlau (Spain). Boric acid, Copper (II) Nitrate trihydrate, and Thiourea were obtained from Dae Jung (South Korea). Sodium Nitrate and potassium permanganate were obtained from Merck.
All the compounds were of analytical quality, and none underwent further purification before usage. Throughout the research project, distilled water was used for carrying out all reactions. Synthesis of GO, BGO. A modified version of Hummer’s technique was employed to produce graphene oxide (Fig. S1), as previously reported by our research group 42. Prepared GO was dispersed ultrasonically and mixed in an aqueous solution containing boric acid in a 1:3 ratio, resulting in boron-doped graphene oxide synthesis 43. The hydrothermal method was used to make the CuS/GO nanocomposites, as previously reported by Saranya et al.44. All the synthesis details are presented in the synthesis section of (supplementary information).
Synthesis of BGO‑CuS. The binary boron-doped graphene oxide/copper sulphide (BGO-CuS) nanocomposite was prepared by the ultrasonication-assisted facile hydrothermal method. The hydrothermal technique was used to make the CuS/BGO nanocomposites. Firstly, a uniform suspension of boron-doped graphene oxide was obtained by dissolving 0.02 g in 50 mL of distilled water. The mixture was then ultrasonicated for 30 min to obtain a uniform suspension. The appropriate amount of copper nitrate (Cu(NO3)2 was added to 40 mL distilled water, and the solution was constantly stirred until a blue solution formed. After that, thiourea was added under constant magnetic stirring.
After the solution had been well mixed, 0.2 g of already properly dispersed BGO was added to the mixture in a dropwise manner in about an hour. After vigorous magnetic stirring for another two hours, the solution was poured into an autoclaved, which was kept for 24 h at 180C in an oven. BGO/CuS nanocomposite was obtained by centrifuging the black precipitate with distilled water and ethanol after drying it in an oven. Figure 1 depicts a schematic diagram of a novel composite synthesis. Characterization and equipment. A scanning electron microscope (SEM) equipped with energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) was used to characterize the morphology, elemental analysis, and microstructure of as-produced GO-CuS.
The non-biodegradable nature of waste emitted from the agriculture and industrial sector contaminates freshwater reserves. Fabrication of highly effective and low-cost heterogeneous photocatalysts is crucial for sustainable wastewater treatment. The present research study aims to construct a novel photocatalyst using a facile ultrasonication-assisted hydrothermal method. Metal sulphides and doped carbon support materials work well to fabricate hybrid sunlight active systems that efficiently harness green energy and are eco-friendly. Boron-doped graphene oxide-supported copper sulphide nanocomposite was synthesized hydrothermally and was assessed for sunlight assisted photocatalytic degradation of methylene blue dye. BGO/CuS was characterized through various techniques such as SEM–EDS, XRD, XPS, FTIR, BET, PL, and UV–Vis DRS spectroscopy.
The bandgap of BGO-CuS was found to be 2.51 eV as evaluated through the TAUC plot method. The enhanced dye degradation was obtained at optimum conditions of pH = 8, catalyst concentration(20 mg/100 mL for BGO-CuS), Oxidant dose (10 mM for BGO-CuS), and optimum time of irradiation was 60 min. The novel boron-doped nanocomposite effectively degraded methylene blue up to 95% under sunlight. Holes and hydroxyl radicals were the key reactive species. Response surface methodology was used to analyze the interaction among several interacting parameters to remove dye methylene blue effectively.
Materials and reagents. Sodium Nitrate (NaNO3, > 99%), Potassium Permanganate (KMnO4, > 99%), Copper(II) Nitrate Trihydrate (CuH2N2O7, > 99%) Sulfuric Acid (H2SO4, 98%), Hydrogen Peroxide (H2O2, 35w/w%), ethanol (CH3CH2OH, 95.6%), Boric acid (H3BO3, 99.5%), and Thiourea (CSN2H4, 96%) were purchased from Sigma Aldrich (USA). The dye methylene blue was obtained from the Fischer Scientific company. The graphite powder was obtained from Scharlau (Spain). Boric acid, Copper (II) Nitrate trihydrate, and Thiourea were obtained from Dae Jung (South Korea). Sodium Nitrate and potassium permanganate were obtained from Merck.
All the compounds were of analytical quality, and none underwent further purification before usage. Throughout the research project, distilled water was used for carrying out all reactions. Synthesis of GO, BGO. A modified version of Hummer’s technique was employed to produce graphene oxide (Fig. S1), as previously reported by our research group 42. Prepared GO was dispersed ultrasonically and mixed in an aqueous solution containing boric acid in a 1:3 ratio, resulting in boron-doped graphene oxide synthesis 43. The hydrothermal method was used to make the CuS/GO nanocomposites, as previously reported by Saranya et al.44. All the synthesis details are presented in the synthesis section of (supplementary information).
Synthesis of BGO‑CuS. The binary boron-doped graphene oxide/copper sulphide (BGO-CuS) nanocomposite was prepared by the ultrasonication-assisted facile hydrothermal method. The hydrothermal technique was used to make the CuS/BGO nanocomposites. Firstly, a uniform suspension of boron-doped graphene oxide was obtained by dissolving 0.02 g in 50 mL of distilled water. The mixture was then ultrasonicated for 30 min to obtain a uniform suspension. The appropriate amount of copper nitrate (Cu(NO3)2 was added to 40 mL distilled water, and the solution was constantly stirred until a blue solution formed. After that, thiourea was added under constant magnetic stirring.
After the solution had been well mixed, 0.2 g of already properly dispersed BGO was added to the mixture in a dropwise manner in about an hour. After vigorous magnetic stirring for another two hours, the solution was poured into an autoclaved, which was kept for 24 h at 180C in an oven. BGO/CuS nanocomposite was obtained by centrifuging the black precipitate with distilled water and ethanol after drying it in an oven. Figure 1 depicts a schematic diagram of a novel composite synthesis. Characterization and equipment. A scanning electron microscope (SEM) equipped with energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) was used to characterize the morphology, elemental analysis, and microstructure of as-produced GO-CuS.
The non-biodegradable nature of waste emitted from the agriculture and industrial sector contaminates freshwater reserves. Fabrication of highly effective and low-cost heterogeneous photocatalysts is crucial for sustainable wastewater treatment. The present research study aims to construct a novel photocatalyst using a facile ultrasonication-assisted hydrothermal method. Metal sulphides and doped carbon support materials work well to fabricate hybrid sunlight active systems that efficiently harness green energy and are eco-friendly. Boron-doped graphene oxide-supported copper sulphide nanocomposite was synthesized hydrothermally and was assessed for sunlight assisted photocatalytic degradation of methylene blue dye. BGO/CuS was characterized through various techniques such as SEM–EDS, XRD, XPS, FTIR, BET, PL, and UV–Vis DRS spectroscopy.
The bandgap of BGO-CuS was found to be 2.51 eV as evaluated through the TAUC plot method. The enhanced dye degradation was obtained at optimum conditions of pH = 8, catalyst concentration(20 mg/100 mL for BGO-CuS), Oxidant dose (10 mM for BGO-CuS), and optimum time of irradiation was 60 min. The novel boron-doped nanocomposite effectively degraded methylene blue up to 95% under sunlight. Holes and hydroxyl radicals were the key reactive species. Response surface methodology was used to analyze the interaction among several interacting parameters to remove dye methylene blue effectively.
Materials and reagents. Sodium Nitrate (NaNO3, > 99%), Potassium Permanganate (KMnO4, > 99%), Copper(II) Nitrate Trihydrate (CuH2N2O7, > 99%) Sulfuric Acid (H2SO4, 98%), Hydrogen Peroxide (H2O2, 35w/w%), ethanol (CH3CH2OH, 95.6%), Boric acid (H3BO3, 99.5%), and Thiourea (CSN2H4, 96%) were purchased from Sigma Aldrich (USA). The dye methylene blue was obtained from the Fischer Scientific company. The graphite powder was obtained from Scharlau (Spain). Boric acid, Copper (II) Nitrate trihydrate, and Thiourea were obtained from Dae Jung (South Korea). Sodium Nitrate and potassium permanganate were obtained from Merck.
All the compounds were of analytical quality, and none underwent further purification before usage. Throughout the research project, distilled water was used for carrying out all reactions. Synthesis of GO, BGO. A modified version of Hummer’s technique was employed to produce graphene oxide (Fig. S1), as previously reported by our research group 42. Prepared GO was dispersed ultrasonically and mixed in an aqueous solution containing boric acid in a 1:3 ratio, resulting in boron-doped graphene oxide synthesis 43. The hydrothermal method was used to make the CuS/GO nanocomposites, as previously reported by Saranya et al.44. All the synthesis details are presented in the synthesis section of (supplementary information).
Synthesis of BGO‑CuS. The binary boron-doped graphene oxide/copper sulphide (BGO-CuS) nanocomposite was prepared by the ultrasonication-assisted facile hydrothermal method. The hydrothermal technique was used to make the CuS/BGO nanocomposites. Firstly, a uniform suspension of boron-doped graphene oxide was obtained by dissolving 0.02 g in 50 mL of distilled water. The mixture was then ultrasonicated for 30 min to obtain a uniform suspension. The appropriate amount of copper nitrate (Cu(NO3)2 was added to 40 mL distilled water, and the solution was constantly stirred until a blue solution formed. After that, thiourea was added under constant magnetic stirring.
After the solution had been well mixed, 0.2 g of already properly dispersed BGO was added to the mixture in a dropwise manner in about an hour. After vigorous magnetic stirring for another two hours, the solution was poured into an autoclaved, which was kept for 24 h at 180C in an oven. BGO/CuS nanocomposite was obtained by centrifuging the black precipitate with distilled water and ethanol after drying it in an oven. Figure 1 depicts a schematic diagram of a novel composite synthesis. Characterization and equipment. A scanning electron microscope (SEM) equipped with energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) was used to characterize the morphology, elemental analysis, and microstructure of as-produced GO-CuS.
The non-biodegradable nature of waste emitted from the agriculture and industrial sector contaminates freshwater reserves. Fabrication of highly effective and low-cost heterogeneous photocatalysts is crucial for sustainable wastewater treatment. The present research study aims to construct a novel photocatalyst using a facile ultrasonication-assisted hydrothermal method. Metal sulphides and doped carbon support materials work well to fabricate hybrid sunlight active systems that efficiently harness green energy and are eco-friendly. Boron-doped graphene oxide-supported copper sulphide nanocomposite was synthesized hydrothermally and was assessed for sunlight assisted photocatalytic degradation of methylene blue dye. BGO/CuS was characterized through various techniques such as SEM–EDS, XRD, XPS, FTIR, BET, PL, and UV–Vis DRS spectroscopy.
The bandgap of BGO-CuS was found to be 2.51 eV as evaluated through the TAUC plot method. The enhanced dye degradation was obtained at optimum conditions of pH = 8, catalyst concentration(20 mg/100 mL for BGO-CuS), Oxidant dose (10 mM for BGO-CuS), and optimum time of irradiation was 60 min. The novel boron-doped nanocomposite effectively degraded methylene blue up to 95% under sunlight. Holes and hydroxyl radicals were the key reactive species. Response surface methodology was used to analyze the interaction among several interacting parameters to remove dye methylene blue effectively.
Materials and reagents. Sodium Nitrate (NaNO3, > 99%), Potassium Permanganate (KMnO4, > 99%), Copper(II) Nitrate Trihydrate (CuH2N2O7, > 99%) Sulfuric Acid (H2SO4, 98%), Hydrogen Peroxide (H2O2, 35w/w%), ethanol (CH3CH2OH, 95.6%), Boric acid (H3BO3, 99.5%), and Thiourea (CSN2H4, 96%) were purchased from Sigma Aldrich (USA). The dye methylene blue was obtained from the Fischer Scientific company. The graphite powder was obtained from Scharlau (Spain). Boric acid, Copper (II) Nitrate trihydrate, and Thiourea were obtained from Dae Jung (South Korea). Sodium Nitrate and potassium permanganate were obtained from Merck.
All the compounds were of analytical quality, and none underwent further purification before usage. Throughout the research project, distilled water was used for carrying out all reactions. Synthesis of GO, BGO. A modified version of Hummer’s technique was employed to produce graphene oxide (Fig. S1), as previously reported by our research group 42. Prepared GO was dispersed ultrasonically and mixed in an aqueous solution containing boric acid in a 1:3 ratio, resulting in boron-doped graphene oxide synthesis 43. The hydrothermal method was used to make the CuS/GO nanocomposites, as previously reported by Saranya et al.44. All the synthesis details are presented in the synthesis section of (supplementary information).
Synthesis of BGO‑CuS. The binary boron-doped graphene oxide/copper sulphide (BGO-CuS) nanocomposite was prepared by the ultrasonication-assisted facile hydrothermal method. The hydrothermal technique was used to make the CuS/BGO nanocomposites. Firstly, a uniform suspension of boron-doped graphene oxide was obtained by dissolving 0.02 g in 50 mL of distilled water. The mixture was then ultrasonicated for 30 min to obtain a uniform suspension. The appropriate amount of copper nitrate (Cu(NO3)2 was added to 40 mL distilled water, and the solution was constantly stirred until a blue solution formed. After that, thiourea was added under constant magnetic stirring.
After the solution had been well mixed, 0.2 g of already properly dispersed BGO was added to the mixture in a dropwise manner in about an hour. After vigorous magnetic stirring for another two hours, the solution was poured into an autoclaved, which was kept for 24 h at 180C in an oven. BGO/CuS nanocomposite was obtained by centrifuging the black precipitate with distilled water and ethanol after drying it in an oven. Figure 1 depicts a schematic diagram of a novel composite synthesis. Characterization and equipment. A scanning electron microscope (SEM) equipped with energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) was used to characterize the morphology, elemental analysis, and microstructure of as-produced GO-CuS.
The non-biodegradable nature of waste emitted from the agriculture and industrial sector contaminates freshwater reserves. Fabrication of highly effective and low-cost heterogeneous photocatalysts is crucial for sustainable wastewater treatment. The present research study aims to construct a novel photocatalyst using a facile ultrasonication-assisted hydrothermal method. Metal sulphides and doped carbon support materials work well to fabricate hybrid sunlight active systems that efficiently harness green energy and are eco-friendly. Boron-doped graphene oxide-supported copper sulphide nanocomposite was synthesized hydrothermally and was assessed for sunlight assisted photocatalytic degradation of methylene blue dye. BGO/CuS was characterized through various techniques such as SEM–EDS, XRD, XPS, FTIR, BET, PL, and UV–Vis DRS spectroscopy.
The bandgap of BGO-CuS was found to be 2.51 eV as evaluated through the TAUC plot method. The enhanced dye degradation was obtained at optimum conditions of pH = 8, catalyst concentration(20 mg/100 mL for BGO-CuS), Oxidant dose (10 mM for BGO-CuS), and optimum time of irradiation was 60 min. The novel boron-doped nanocomposite effectively degraded methylene blue up to 95% under sunlight. Holes and hydroxyl radicals were the key reactive species. Response surface methodology was used to analyze the interaction among several interacting parameters to remove dye methylene blue effectively.
Materials and reagents. Sodium Nitrate (NaNO3, > 99%), Potassium Permanganate (KMnO4, > 99%), Copper(II) Nitrate Trihydrate (CuH2N2O7, > 99%) Sulfuric Acid (H2SO4, 98%), Hydrogen Peroxide (H2O2, 35w/w%), ethanol (CH3CH2OH, 95.6%), Boric acid (H3BO3, 99.5%), and Thiourea (CSN2H4, 96%) were purchased from Sigma Aldrich (USA). The dye methylene blue was obtained from the Fischer Scientific company. The graphite powder was obtained from Scharlau (Spain). Boric acid, Copper (II) Nitrate trihydrate, and Thiourea were obtained from Dae Jung (South Korea). Sodium Nitrate and potassium permanganate were obtained from Merck.
All the compounds were of analytical quality, and none underwent further purification before usage. Throughout the research project, distilled water was used for carrying out all reactions. Synthesis of GO, BGO. A modified version of Hummer’s technique was employed to produce graphene oxide (Fig. S1), as previously reported by our research group 42. Prepared GO was dispersed ultrasonically and mixed in an aqueous solution containing boric acid in a 1:3 ratio, resulting in boron-doped graphene oxide synthesis 43. The hydrothermal method was used to make the CuS/GO nanocomposites, as previously reported by Saranya et al.44. All the synthesis details are presented in the synthesis section of (supplementary information).
Synthesis of BGO‑CuS. The binary boron-doped graphene oxide/copper sulphide (BGO-CuS) nanocomposite was prepared by the ultrasonication-assisted facile hydrothermal method. The hydrothermal technique was used to make the CuS/BGO nanocomposites. Firstly, a uniform suspension of boron-doped graphene oxide was obtained by dissolving 0.02 g in 50 mL of distilled water. The mixture was then ultrasonicated for 30 min to obtain a uniform suspension. The appropriate amount of copper nitrate (Cu(NO3)2 was added to 40 mL distilled water, and the solution was constantly stirred until a blue solution formed. After that, thiourea was added under constant magnetic stirring.
After the solution had been well mixed, 0.2 g of already properly dispersed BGO was added to the mixture in a dropwise manner in about an hour. After vigorous magnetic stirring for another two hours, the solution was poured into an autoclaved, which was kept for 24 h at 180C in an oven. BGO/CuS nanocomposite was obtained by centrifuging the black precipitate with distilled water and ethanol after drying it in an oven. Figure 1 depicts a schematic diagram of a novel composite synthesis. Characterization and equipment. A scanning electron microscope (SEM) equipped with energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) was used to characterize the morphology, elemental analysis, and microstructure of as-produced GO-CuS.
The non-biodegradable nature of waste emitted from the agriculture and industrial sector contaminates freshwater reserves. Fabrication of highly effective and low-cost heterogeneous photocatalysts is crucial for sustainable wastewater treatment. The present research study aims to construct a novel photocatalyst using a facile ultrasonication-assisted hydrothermal method. Metal sulphides and doped carbon support materials work well to fabricate hybrid sunlight active systems that efficiently harness green energy and are eco-friendly. Boron-doped graphene oxide-supported copper sulphide nanocomposite was synthesized hydrothermally and was assessed for sunlight assisted photocatalytic degradation of methylene blue dye. BGO/CuS was characterized through various techniques such as SEM–EDS, XRD, XPS, FTIR, BET, PL, and UV–Vis DRS spectroscopy.
The bandgap of BGO-CuS was found to be 2.51 eV as evaluated through the TAUC plot method. The enhanced dye degradation was obtained at optimum conditions of pH = 8, catalyst concentration(20 mg/100 mL for BGO-CuS), Oxidant dose (10 mM for BGO-CuS), and optimum time of irradiation was 60 min. The novel boron-doped nanocomposite effectively degraded methylene blue up to 95% under sunlight. Holes and hydroxyl radicals were the key reactive species. Response surface methodology was used to analyze the interaction among several interacting parameters to remove dye methylene blue effectively.
Materials and reagents. Sodium Nitrate (NaNO3, > 99%), Potassium Permanganate (KMnO4, > 99%), Copper(II) Nitrate Trihydrate (CuH2N2O7, > 99%) Sulfuric Acid (H2SO4, 98%), Hydrogen Peroxide (H2O2, 35w/w%), ethanol (CH3CH2OH, 95.6%), Boric acid (H3BO3, 99.5%), and Thiourea (CSN2H4, 96%) were purchased from Sigma Aldrich (USA). The dye methylene blue was obtained from the Fischer Scientific company. The graphite powder was obtained from Scharlau (Spain). Boric acid, Copper (II) Nitrate trihydrate, and Thiourea were obtained from Dae Jung (South Korea). Sodium Nitrate and potassium permanganate were obtained from Merck.
All the compounds were of analytical quality, and none underwent further purification before usage. Throughout the research project, distilled water was used for carrying out all reactions. Synthesis of GO, BGO. A modified version of Hummer’s technique was employed to produce graphene oxide (Fig. S1), as previously reported by our research group 42. Prepared GO was dispersed ultrasonically and mixed in an aqueous solution containing boric acid in a 1:3 ratio, resulting in boron-doped graphene oxide synthesis 43. The hydrothermal method was used to make the CuS/GO nanocomposites, as previously reported by Saranya et al.44. All the synthesis details are presented in the synthesis section of (supplementary information).
Synthesis of BGO‑CuS. The binary boron-doped graphene oxide/copper sulphide (BGO-CuS) nanocomposite was prepared by the ultrasonication-assisted facile hydrothermal method. The hydrothermal technique was used to make the CuS/BGO nanocomposites. Firstly, a uniform suspension of boron-doped graphene oxide was obtained by dissolving 0.02 g in 50 mL of distilled water. The mixture was then ultrasonicated for 30 min to obtain a uniform suspension. The appropriate amount of copper nitrate (Cu(NO3)2 was added to 40 mL distilled water, and the solution was constantly stirred until a blue solution formed. After that, thiourea was added under constant magnetic stirring.
After the solution had been well mixed, 0.2 g of already properly dispersed BGO was added to the mixture in a dropwise manner in about an hour. After vigorous magnetic stirring for another two hours, the solution was poured into an autoclaved, which was kept for 24 h at 180C in an oven. BGO/CuS nanocomposite was obtained by centrifuging the black precipitate with distilled water and ethanol after drying it in an oven. Figure 1 depicts a schematic diagram of a novel composite synthesis. Characterization and equipment. A scanning electron microscope (SEM) equipped with energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) was used to characterize the morphology, elemental analysis, and microstructure of as-produced GO-CuS.
The non-biodegradable nature of waste emitted from the agriculture and industrial sector contaminates freshwater reserves. Fabrication of highly effective and low-cost heterogeneous photocatalysts is crucial for sustainable wastewater treatment. The present research study aims to construct a novel photocatalyst using a facile ultrasonication-assisted hydrothermal method. Metal sulphides and doped carbon support materials work well to fabricate hybrid sunlight active systems that efficiently harness green energy and are eco-friendly. Boron-doped graphene oxide-supported copper sulphide nanocomposite was synthesized hydrothermally and was assessed for sunlight assisted photocatalytic degradation of methylene blue dye. BGO/CuS was characterized through various techniques such as SEM–EDS, XRD, XPS, FTIR, BET, PL, and UV–Vis DRS spectroscopy.
The bandgap of BGO-CuS was found to be 2.51 eV as evaluated through the TAUC plot method. The enhanced dye degradation was obtained at optimum conditions of pH = 8, catalyst concentration(20 mg/100 mL for BGO-CuS), Oxidant dose (10 mM for BGO-CuS), and optimum time of irradiation was 60 min. The novel boron-doped nanocomposite effectively degraded methylene blue up to 95% under sunlight. Holes and hydroxyl radicals were the key reactive species. Response surface methodology was used to analyze the interaction among several interacting parameters to remove dye methylene blue effectively.
Materials and reagents. Sodium Nitrate (NaNO3, > 99%), Potassium Permanganate (KMnO4, > 99%), Copper(II) Nitrate Trihydrate (CuH2N2O7, > 99%) Sulfuric Acid (H2SO4, 98%), Hydrogen Peroxide (H2O2, 35w/w%), ethanol (CH3CH2OH, 95.6%), Boric acid (H3BO3, 99.5%), and Thiourea (CSN2H4, 96%) were purchased from Sigma Aldrich (USA). The dye methylene blue was obtained from the Fischer Scientific company. The graphite powder was obtained from Scharlau (Spain). Boric acid, Copper (II) Nitrate trihydrate, and Thiourea were obtained from Dae Jung (South Korea). Sodium Nitrate and potassium permanganate were obtained from Merck.
All the compounds were of analytical quality, and none underwent further purification before usage. Throughout the research project, distilled water was used for carrying out all reactions. Synthesis of GO, BGO. A modified version of Hummer’s technique was employed to produce graphene oxide (Fig. S1), as previously reported by our research group 42. Prepared GO was dispersed ultrasonically and mixed in an aqueous solution containing boric acid in a 1:3 ratio, resulting in boron-doped graphene oxide synthesis 43. The hydrothermal method was used to make the CuS/GO nanocomposites, as previously reported by Saranya et al.44. All the synthesis details are presented in the synthesis section of (supplementary information).
Synthesis of BGO‑CuS. The binary boron-doped graphene oxide/copper sulphide (BGO-CuS) nanocomposite was prepared by the ultrasonication-assisted facile hydrothermal method. The hydrothermal technique was used to make the CuS/BGO nanocomposites. Firstly, a uniform suspension of boron-doped graphene oxide was obtained by dissolving 0.02 g in 50 mL of distilled water. The mixture was then ultrasonicated for 30 min to obtain a uniform suspension. The appropriate amount of copper nitrate (Cu(NO3)2 was added to 40 mL distilled water, and the solution was constantly stirred until a blue solution formed. After that, thiourea was added under constant magnetic stirring.
After the solution had been well mixed, 0.2 g of already properly dispersed BGO was added to the mixture in a dropwise manner in about an hour. After vigorous magnetic stirring for another two hours, the solution was poured into an autoclaved, which was kept for 24 h at 180C in an oven. BGO/CuS nanocomposite was obtained by centrifuging the black precipitate with distilled water and ethanol after drying it in an oven. Figure 1 depicts a schematic diagram of a novel composite synthesis. Characterization and equipment. A scanning electron microscope (SEM) equipped with energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) was used to characterize the morphology, elemental analysis, and microstructure of as-produced GO-CuS.
The non-biodegradable nature of waste emitted from the agriculture and industrial sector contaminates freshwater reserves. Fabrication of highly effective and low-cost heterogeneous photocatalysts is crucial for sustainable wastewater treatment. The present research study aims to construct a novel photocatalyst using a facile ultrasonication-assisted hydrothermal method. Metal sulphides and doped carbon support materials work well to fabricate hybrid sunlight active systems that efficiently harness green energy and are eco-friendly. Boron-doped graphene oxide-supported copper sulphide nanocomposite was synthesized hydrothermally and was assessed for sunlight assisted photocatalytic degradation of methylene blue dye. BGO/CuS was characterized through various techniques such as SEM–EDS, XRD, XPS, FTIR, BET, PL, and UV–Vis DRS spectroscopy.
The bandgap of BGO-CuS was found to be 2.51 eV as evaluated through the TAUC plot method. The enhanced dye degradation was obtained at optimum conditions of pH = 8, catalyst concentration(20 mg/100 mL for BGO-CuS), Oxidant dose (10 mM for BGO-CuS), and optimum time of irradiation was 60 min. The novel boron-doped nanocomposite effectively degraded methylene blue up to 95% under sunlight. Holes and hydroxyl radicals were the key reactive species. Response surface methodology was used to analyze the interaction among several interacting parameters to remove dye methylene blue effectively.
Materials and reagents. Sodium Nitrate (NaNO3, > 99%), Potassium Permanganate (KMnO4, > 99%), Copper(II) Nitrate Trihydrate (CuH2N2O7, > 99%) Sulfuric Acid (H2SO4, 98%), Hydrogen Peroxide (H2O2, 35w/w%), ethanol (CH3CH2OH, 95.6%), Boric acid (H3BO3, 99.5%), and Thiourea (CSN2H4, 96%) were purchased from Sigma Aldrich (USA). The dye methylene blue was obtained from the Fischer Scientific company. The graphite powder was obtained from Scharlau (Spain). Boric acid, Copper (II) Nitrate trihydrate, and Thiourea were obtained from Dae Jung (South Korea). Sodium Nitrate and potassium permanganate were obtained from Merck.
All the compounds were of analytical quality, and none underwent further purification before usage. Throughout the research project, distilled water was used for carrying out all reactions. Synthesis of GO, BGO. A modified version of Hummer’s technique was employed to produce graphene oxide (Fig. S1), as previously reported by our research group 42. Prepared GO was dispersed ultrasonically and mixed in an aqueous solution containing boric acid in a 1:3 ratio, resulting in boron-doped graphene oxide synthesis 43. The hydrothermal method was used to make the CuS/GO nanocomposites, as previously reported by Saranya et al.44. All the synthesis details are presented in the synthesis section of (supplementary information).
Synthesis of BGO‑CuS. The binary boron-doped graphene oxide/copper sulphide (BGO-CuS) nanocomposite was prepared by the ultrasonication-assisted facile hydrothermal method. The hydrothermal technique was used to make the CuS/BGO nanocomposites. Firstly, a uniform suspension of boron-doped graphene oxide was obtained by dissolving 0.02 g in 50 mL of distilled water. The mixture was then ultrasonicated for 30 min to obtain a uniform suspension. The appropriate amount of copper nitrate (Cu(NO3)2 was added to 40 mL distilled water, and the solution was constantly stirred until a blue solution formed. After that, thiourea was added under constant magnetic stirring.
After the solution had been well mixed, 0.2 g of already properly dispersed BGO was added to the mixture in a dropwise manner in about an hour. After vigorous magnetic stirring for another two hours, the solution was poured into an autoclaved, which was kept for 24 h at 180C in an oven. BGO/CuS nanocomposite was obtained by centrifuging the black precipitate with distilled water and ethanol after drying it in an oven. Figure 1 depicts a schematic diagram of a novel composite synthesis. Characterization and equipment. A scanning electron microscope (SEM) equipped with energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) was used to characterize the morphology, elemental analysis, and microstructure of as-produced GO-CuS.
The non-biodegradable nature of waste emitted from the agriculture and industrial sector contaminates freshwater reserves. Fabrication of highly effective and low-cost heterogeneous photocatalysts is crucial for sustainable wastewater treatment. The present research study aims to construct a novel photocatalyst using a facile ultrasonication-assisted hydrothermal method. Metal sulphides and doped carbon support materials work well to fabricate hybrid sunlight active systems that efficiently harness green energy and are eco-friendly. Boron-doped graphene oxide-supported copper sulphide nanocomposite was synthesized hydrothermally and was assessed for sunlight assisted photocatalytic degradation of methylene blue dye. BGO/CuS was characterized through various techniques such as SEM–EDS, XRD, XPS, FTIR, BET, PL, and UV–Vis DRS spectroscopy.
The bandgap of BGO-CuS was found to be 2.51 eV as evaluated through the TAUC plot method. The enhanced dye degradation was obtained at optimum conditions of pH = 8, catalyst concentration(20 mg/100 mL for BGO-CuS), Oxidant dose (10 mM for BGO-CuS), and optimum time of irradiation was 60 min. The novel boron-doped nanocomposite effectively degraded methylene blue up to 95% under sunlight. Holes and hydroxyl radicals were the key reactive species. Response surface methodology was used to analyze the interaction among several interacting parameters to remove dye methylene blue effectively.
Materials and reagents. Sodium Nitrate (NaNO3, > 99%), Potassium Permanganate (KMnO4, > 99%), Copper(II) Nitrate Trihydrate (CuH2N2O7, > 99%) Sulfuric Acid (H2SO4, 98%), Hydrogen Peroxide (H2O2, 35w/w%), ethanol (CH3CH2OH, 95.6%), Boric acid (H3BO3, 99.5%), and Thiourea (CSN2H4, 96%) were purchased from Sigma Aldrich (USA). The dye methylene blue was obtained from the Fischer Scientific company. The graphite powder was obtained from Scharlau (Spain). Boric acid, Copper (II) Nitrate trihydrate, and Thiourea were obtained from Dae Jung (South Korea). Sodium Nitrate and potassium permanganate were obtained from Merck.
All the compounds were of analytical quality, and none underwent further purification before usage. Throughout the research project, distilled water was used for carrying out all reactions. Synthesis of GO, BGO. A modified version of Hummer’s technique was employed to produce graphene oxide (Fig. S1), as previously reported by our research group 42. Prepared GO was dispersed ultrasonically and mixed in an aqueous solution containing boric acid in a 1:3 ratio, resulting in boron-doped graphene oxide synthesis 43. The hydrothermal method was used to make the CuS/GO nanocomposites, as previously reported by Saranya et al.44. All the synthesis details are presented in the synthesis section of (supplementary information).
Synthesis of BGO‑CuS. The binary boron-doped graphene oxide/copper sulphide (BGO-CuS) nanocomposite was prepared by the ultrasonication-assisted facile hydrothermal method. The hydrothermal technique was used to make the CuS/BGO nanocomposites. Firstly, a uniform suspension of boron-doped graphene oxide was obtained by dissolving 0.02 g in 50 mL of distilled water. The mixture was then ultrasonicated for 30 min to obtain a uniform suspension. The appropriate amount of copper nitrate (Cu(NO3)2 was added to 40 mL distilled water, and the solution was constantly stirred until a blue solution formed. After that, thiourea was added under constant magnetic stirring.
After the solution had been well mixed, 0.2 g of already properly dispersed BGO was added to the mixture in a dropwise manner in about an hour. After vigorous magnetic stirring for another two hours, the solution was poured into an autoclaved, which was kept for 24 h at 180C in an oven. BGO/CuS nanocomposite was obtained by centrifuging the black precipitate with distilled water and ethanol after drying it in an oven. Figure 1 depicts a schematic diagram of a novel composite synthesis. Characterization and equipment. A scanning electron microscope (SEM) equipped with energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) was used to characterize the morphology, elemental analysis, and microstructure of as-produced GO-CuS.
The non-biodegradable nature of waste emitted from the agriculture and industrial sector contaminates freshwater reserves. Fabrication of highly effective and low-cost heterogeneous photocatalysts is crucial for sustainable wastewater treatment. The present research study aims to construct a novel photocatalyst using a facile ultrasonication-assisted hydrothermal method. Metal sulphides and doped carbon support materials work well to fabricate hybrid sunlight active systems that efficiently harness green energy and are eco-friendly. Boron-doped graphene oxide-supported copper sulphide nanocomposite was synthesized hydrothermally and was assessed for sunlight assisted photocatalytic degradation of methylene blue dye. BGO/CuS was characterized through various techniques such as SEM–EDS, XRD, XPS, FTIR, BET, PL, and UV–Vis DRS spectroscopy.
The bandgap of BGO-CuS was found to be 2.51 eV as evaluated through the TAUC plot method. The enhanced dye degradation was obtained at optimum conditions of pH = 8, catalyst concentration(20 mg/100 mL for BGO-CuS), Oxidant dose (10 mM for BGO-CuS), and optimum time of irradiation was 60 min. The novel boron-doped nanocomposite effectively degraded methylene blue up to 95% under sunlight. Holes and hydroxyl radicals were the key reactive species. Response surface methodology was used to analyze the interaction among several interacting parameters to remove dye methylene blue effectively.
Materials and reagents. Sodium Nitrate (NaNO3, > 99%), Potassium Permanganate (KMnO4, > 99%), Copper(II) Nitrate Trihydrate (CuH2N2O7, > 99%) Sulfuric Acid (H2SO4, 98%), Hydrogen Peroxide (H2O2, 35w/w%), ethanol (CH3CH2OH, 95.6%), Boric acid (H3BO3, 99.5%), and Thiourea (CSN2H4, 96%) were purchased from Sigma Aldrich (USA). The dye methylene blue was obtained from the Fischer Scientific company. The graphite powder was obtained from Scharlau (Spain). Boric acid, Copper (II) Nitrate trihydrate, and Thiourea were obtained from Dae Jung (South Korea). Sodium Nitrate and potassium permanganate were obtained from Merck.
All the compounds were of analytical quality, and none underwent further purification before usage. Throughout the research project, distilled water was used for carrying out all reactions. Synthesis of GO, BGO. A modified version of Hummer’s technique was employed to produce graphene oxide (Fig. S1), as previously reported by our research group 42. Prepared GO was dispersed ultrasonically and mixed in an aqueous solution containing boric acid in a 1:3 ratio, resulting in boron-doped graphene oxide synthesis 43. The hydrothermal method was used to make the CuS/GO nanocomposites, as previously reported by Saranya et al.44. All the synthesis details are presented in the synthesis section of (supplementary information).
Synthesis of BGO‑CuS. The binary boron-doped graphene oxide/copper sulphide (BGO-CuS) nanocomposite was prepared by the ultrasonication-assisted facile hydrothermal method. The hydrothermal technique was used to make the CuS/BGO nanocomposites. Firstly, a uniform suspension of boron-doped graphene oxide was obtained by dissolving 0.02 g in 50 mL of distilled water. The mixture was then ultrasonicated for 30 min to obtain a uniform suspension. The appropriate amount of copper nitrate (Cu(NO3)2 was added to 40 mL distilled water, and the solution was constantly stirred until a blue solution formed. After that, thiourea was added under constant magnetic stirring.
After the solution had been well mixed, 0.2 g of already properly dispersed BGO was added to the mixture in a dropwise manner in about an hour. After vigorous magnetic stirring for another two hours, the solution was poured into an autoclaved, which was kept for 24 h at 180C in an oven. BGO/CuS nanocomposite was obtained by centrifuging the black precipitate with distilled water and ethanol after drying it in an oven. Figure 1 depicts a schematic diagram of a novel composite synthesis. Characterization and equipment. A scanning electron microscope (SEM) equipped with energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) was used to characterize the morphology, elemental analysis, and microstructure of as-produced GO-CuS.
The non-biodegradable nature of waste emitted from the agriculture and industrial sector contaminates freshwater reserves. Fabrication of highly effective and low-cost heterogeneous photocatalysts is crucial for sustainable wastewater treatment. The present research study aims to construct a novel photocatalyst using a facile ultrasonication-assisted hydrothermal method. Metal sulphides and doped carbon support materials work well to fabricate hybrid sunlight active systems that efficiently harness green energy and are eco-friendly. Boron-doped graphene oxide-supported copper sulphide nanocomposite was synthesized hydrothermally and was assessed for sunlight assisted photocatalytic degradation of methylene blue dye. BGO/CuS was characterized through various techniques such as SEM–EDS, XRD, XPS, FTIR, BET, PL, and UV–Vis DRS spectroscopy.
The bandgap of BGO-CuS was found to be 2.51 eV as evaluated through the TAUC plot method. The enhanced dye degradation was obtained at optimum conditions of pH = 8, catalyst concentration(20 mg/100 mL for BGO-CuS), Oxidant dose (10 mM for BGO-CuS), and optimum time of irradiation was 60 min. The novel boron-doped nanocomposite effectively degraded methylene blue up to 95% under sunlight. Holes and hydroxyl radicals were the key reactive species. Response surface methodology was used to analyze the interaction among several interacting parameters to remove dye methylene blue effectively.
Materials and reagents. Sodium Nitrate (NaNO3, > 99%), Potassium Permanganate (KMnO4, > 99%), Copper(II) Nitrate Trihydrate (CuH2N2O7, > 99%) Sulfuric Acid (H2SO4, 98%), Hydrogen Peroxide (H2O2, 35w/w%), ethanol (CH3CH2OH, 95.6%), Boric acid (H3BO3, 99.5%), and Thiourea (CSN2H4, 96%) were purchased from Sigma Aldrich (USA). The dye methylene blue was obtained from the Fischer Scientific company. The graphite powder was obtained from Scharlau (Spain). Boric acid, Copper (II) Nitrate trihydrate, and Thiourea were obtained from Dae Jung (South Korea). Sodium Nitrate and potassium permanganate were obtained from Merck.
All the compounds were of analytical quality, and none underwent further purification before usage. Throughout the research project, distilled water was used for carrying out all reactions. Synthesis of GO, BGO. A modified version of Hummer’s technique was employed to produce graphene oxide (Fig. S1), as previously reported by our research group 42. Prepared GO was dispersed ultrasonically and mixed in an aqueous solution containing boric acid in a 1:3 ratio, resulting in boron-doped graphene oxide synthesis 43. The hydrothermal method was used to make the CuS/GO nanocomposites, as previously reported by Saranya et al.44. All the synthesis details are presented in the synthesis section of (supplementary information).
Synthesis of BGO‑CuS. The binary boron-doped graphene oxide/copper sulphide (BGO-CuS) nanocomposite was prepared by the ultrasonication-assisted facile hydrothermal method. The hydrothermal technique was used to make the CuS/BGO nanocomposites. Firstly, a uniform suspension of boron-doped graphene oxide was obtained by dissolving 0.02 g in 50 mL of distilled water. The mixture was then ultrasonicated for 30 min to obtain a uniform suspension. The appropriate amount of copper nitrate (Cu(NO3)2 was added to 40 mL distilled water, and the solution was constantly stirred until a blue solution formed. After that, thiourea was added under constant magnetic stirring.
After the solution had been well mixed, 0.2 g of already properly dispersed BGO was added to the mixture in a dropwise manner in about an hour. After vigorous magnetic stirring for another two hours, the solution was poured into an autoclaved, which was kept for 24 h at 180C in an oven. BGO/CuS nanocomposite was obtained by centrifuging the black precipitate with distilled water and ethanol after drying it in an oven. Figure 1 depicts a schematic diagram of a novel composite synthesis. Characterization and equipment. A scanning electron microscope (SEM) equipped with energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) was used to characterize the morphology, elemental analysis, and microstructure of as-produced GO-CuS.
The non-biodegradable nature of waste emitted from the agriculture and industrial sector contaminates freshwater reserves. Fabrication of highly effective and low-cost heterogeneous photocatalysts is crucial for sustainable wastewater treatment. The present research study aims to construct a novel photocatalyst using a facile ultrasonication-assisted hydrothermal method. Metal sulphides and doped carbon support materials work well to fabricate hybrid sunlight active systems that efficiently harness green energy and are eco-friendly. Boron-doped graphene oxide-supported copper sulphide nanocomposite was synthesized hydrothermally and was assessed for sunlight assisted photocatalytic degradation of methylene blue dye. BGO/CuS was characterized through various techniques such as SEM–EDS, XRD, XPS, FTIR, BET, PL, and UV–Vis DRS spectroscopy.
The bandgap of BGO-CuS was found to be 2.51 eV as evaluated through the TAUC plot method. The enhanced dye degradation was obtained at optimum conditions of pH = 8, catalyst concentration(20 mg/100 mL for BGO-CuS), Oxidant dose (10 mM for BGO-CuS), and optimum time of irradiation was 60 min. The novel boron-doped nanocomposite effectively degraded methylene blue up to 95% under sunlight. Holes and hydroxyl radicals were the key reactive species. Response surface methodology was used to analyze the interaction among several interacting parameters to remove dye methylene blue effectively.
Materials and reagents. Sodium Nitrate (NaNO3, > 99%), Potassium Permanganate (KMnO4, > 99%), Copper(II) Nitrate Trihydrate (CuH2N2O7, > 99%) Sulfuric Acid (H2SO4, 98%), Hydrogen Peroxide (H2O2, 35w/w%), ethanol (CH3CH2OH, 95.6%), Boric acid (H3BO3, 99.5%), and Thiourea (CSN2H4, 96%) were purchased from Sigma Aldrich (USA). The dye methylene blue was obtained from the Fischer Scientific company. The graphite powder was obtained from Scharlau (Spain). Boric acid, Copper (II) Nitrate trihydrate, and Thiourea were obtained from Dae Jung (South Korea). Sodium Nitrate and potassium permanganate were obtained from Merck.
All the compounds were of analytical quality, and none underwent further purification before usage. Throughout the research project, distilled water was used for carrying out all reactions. Synthesis of GO, BGO. A modified version of Hummer’s technique was employed to produce graphene oxide (Fig. S1), as previously reported by our research group 42. Prepared GO was dispersed ultrasonically and mixed in an aqueous solution containing boric acid in a 1:3 ratio, resulting in boron-doped graphene oxide synthesis 43. The hydrothermal method was used to make the CuS/GO nanocomposites, as previously reported by Saranya et al.44. All the synthesis details are presented in the synthesis section of (supplementary information).
Synthesis of BGO‑CuS. The binary boron-doped graphene oxide/copper sulphide (BGO-CuS) nanocomposite was prepared by the ultrasonication-assisted facile hydrothermal method. The hydrothermal technique was used to make the CuS/BGO nanocomposites. Firstly, a uniform suspension of boron-doped graphene oxide was obtained by dissolving 0.02 g in 50 mL of distilled water. The mixture was then ultrasonicated for 30 min to obtain a uniform suspension. The appropriate amount of copper nitrate (Cu(NO3)2 was added to 40 mL distilled water, and the solution was constantly stirred until a blue solution formed. After that, thiourea was added under constant magnetic stirring.
After the solution had been well mixed, 0.2 g of already properly dispersed BGO was added to the mixture in a dropwise manner in about an hour. After vigorous magnetic stirring for another two hours, the solution was poured into an autoclaved, which was kept for 24 h at 180C in an oven. BGO/CuS nanocomposite was obtained by centrifuging the black precipitate with distilled water and ethanol after drying it in an oven. Figure 1 depicts a schematic diagram of a novel composite synthesis. Characterization and equipment. A scanning electron microscope (SEM) equipped with energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) was used to characterize the morphology, elemental analysis, and microstructure of as-produced GO-CuS.
The non-biodegradable nature of waste emitted from the agriculture and industrial sector contaminates freshwater reserves. Fabrication of highly effective and low-cost heterogeneous photocatalysts is crucial for sustainable wastewater treatment. The present research study aims to construct a novel photocatalyst using a facile ultrasonication-assisted hydrothermal method. Metal sulphides and doped carbon support materials work well to fabricate hybrid sunlight active systems that efficiently harness green energy and are eco-friendly. Boron-doped graphene oxide-supported copper sulphide nanocomposite was synthesized hydrothermally and was assessed for sunlight assisted photocatalytic degradation of methylene blue dye. BGO/CuS was characterized through various techniques such as SEM–EDS, XRD, XPS, FTIR, BET, PL, and UV–Vis DRS spectroscopy.
The bandgap of BGO-CuS was found to be 2.51 eV as evaluated through the TAUC plot method. The enhanced dye degradation was obtained at optimum conditions of pH = 8, catalyst concentration(20 mg/100 mL for BGO-CuS), Oxidant dose (10 mM for BGO-CuS), and optimum time of irradiation was 60 min. The novel boron-doped nanocomposite effectively degraded methylene blue up to 95% under sunlight. Holes and hydroxyl radicals were the key reactive species. Response surface methodology was used to analyze the interaction among several interacting parameters to remove dye methylene blue effectively.
Materials and reagents. Sodium Nitrate (NaNO3, > 99%), Potassium Permanganate (KMnO4, > 99%), Copper(II) Nitrate Trihydrate (CuH2N2O7, > 99%) Sulfuric Acid (H2SO4, 98%), Hydrogen Peroxide (H2O2, 35w/w%), ethanol (CH3CH2OH, 95.6%), Boric acid (H3BO3, 99.5%), and Thiourea (CSN2H4, 96%) were purchased from Sigma Aldrich (USA). The dye methylene blue was obtained from the Fischer Scientific company. The graphite powder was obtained from Scharlau (Spain). Boric acid, Copper (II) Nitrate trihydrate, and Thiourea were obtained from Dae Jung (South Korea). Sodium Nitrate and potassium permanganate were obtained from Merck.
All the compounds were of analytical quality, and none underwent further purification before usage. Throughout the research project, distilled water was used for carrying out all reactions. Synthesis of GO, BGO. A modified version of Hummer’s technique was employed to produce graphene oxide (Fig. S1), as previously reported by our research group 42. Prepared GO was dispersed ultrasonically and mixed in an aqueous solution containing boric acid in a 1:3 ratio, resulting in boron-doped graphene oxide synthesis 43. The hydrothermal method was used to make the CuS/GO nanocomposites, as previously reported by Saranya et al.44. All the synthesis details are presented in the synthesis section of (supplementary information).
Synthesis of BGO‑CuS. The binary boron-doped graphene oxide/copper sulphide (BGO-CuS) nanocomposite was prepared by the ultrasonication-assisted facile hydrothermal method. The hydrothermal technique was used to make the CuS/BGO nanocomposites. Firstly, a uniform suspension of boron-doped graphene oxide was obtained by dissolving 0.02 g in 50 mL of distilled water. The mixture was then ultrasonicated for 30 min to obtain a uniform suspension. The appropriate amount of copper nitrate (Cu(NO3)2 was added to 40 mL distilled water, and the solution was constantly stirred until a blue solution formed. After that, thiourea was added under constant magnetic stirring.
After the solution had been well mixed, 0.2 g of already properly dispersed BGO was added to the mixture in a dropwise manner in about an hour. After vigorous magnetic stirring for another two hours, the solution was poured into an autoclaved, which was kept for 24 h at 180C in an oven. BGO/CuS nanocomposite was obtained by centrifuging the black precipitate with distilled water and ethanol after drying it in an oven. Figure 1 depicts a schematic diagram of a novel composite synthesis. Characterization and equipment. A scanning electron microscope (SEM) equipped with energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) was used to characterize the morphology, elemental analysis, and microstructure of as-produced GO-CuS.
