A novel two-step co-precipitation approach of CuS/NiMn2O4 heterostructured nanocatalyst for enhanced visible light driven photocatalytic activity via efficient photo-induced charge separation properties

Abstract

Abstract A facile two-step approach of copper sulfide (CuS)/nickel manganite (NiMn2O4) heterostructure nanocomposites (NCs) were developed effectively via a simple co-precipitation method. The structural, optical, and photocatalytic behavior of the prepared NiMn2O4, CuS, and CuS/NiMn2O4 photocatalysts are carefully explored. The photocatalytic degradation efficiency of CuS/NiMn2O4 nanocatalyst was calculated to be 84% and 60% for MB and RhB, respectively, within 120\u202fmin illumination whereas the pure NiMn2O4 has 41% and 30% as well as CuS has 59% and 42% for MB and RhB. The as-prepared CuS/NiMn2O4 heterostructure has exhibited superior photocatalytic performance towards the reduction of methylene blue (MB) and rhodamine B (RhB) dyes under active visible light illumination. Thus the result showed an efficient photocatalytic activity with a high reaction kinetic rate has been achieved from the developed CuS/NiMn2O4 heterostructure catalyst due to their effective charge separation of photo-induced carriers and successful exploitation of visible light absorption.