Catalytic and photocatalytic efficacy of hexagonal CuS nanoplates derived from copper(II) dithiocarbamate

Hexagonal shaped CuS nanoplates (NPs) exhibiting catalytic and photocatalytic properties were synthesized from a single source precursor using octylamine as a decomposing solvent. The structure, phase purity, composition and optical studies of these nanoplates were carried out by UV–Vis, XRD, EDS, TEM, HRTEM and SAED. These nanoplates were found to have high crystallinity (SAED), average particle size of 35.39 nm (TEM) and band gap of 2.1 eV (UV–Vis). To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report on dual role of CuS nanoplates as catalyst and photocatalyst for the degradation of Congo Red (CR), an environmental pollutant, both in dark and solar light. Based upon degradation results, mechanism of degradation was proposed. The reaction was found to follow pseudo-first-order kinetics according to Langmuir–Hinshelwood (L–H) model both in dark and light. Moreover, no change in the XRD pattern after dye degradation study signified the recyclable nature of CuS NPs. Hexagonal CuS nanoplates (NPs), synthesized from a new copper(II) dithiocarbamate precursor, have been tested for photocatalytic activity against Congo Red (CR). Interestingly, NPs 100% degraded CR both in dark (80 °C) and light (40 °C). Moreover, no structural change after degradation signified their recyclable nature. [Display omitted] •CuS NPs synthesis from a new copper(II) dithiocarbamate precursor.•Catalytic and photocatalytic application for CR degradation.•High efficacy of CuS NPs than the similar reported NPs.