CuCo2S4 nanoparticles synthesized via a thermal decomposition approach: evaluation of their potential as peroxidase mimics

Abstract

The current study demonstrates the synthesis of CuCo₂S₄ nanoparticles using a novel thermal decomposition approach. The CuCo₂S₄ nanoparticles were synthesized under various conditions by changing the source of sulfur and the solvent. The CuCo₂S₄ nanoparticles were characterized using an array of analytical techniques. Powder XRD results indicate the successful formation of CuCo₂S₄ nanoparticles. TEM results show agglomerated nanoparticles with close to spherical morphology and XPS measurements indicate the presence of Cu²⁺, Cu⁺, Co³⁺, Co²⁺, and S²⁻ in the samples. The CuCo₂S₄ nanoparticles exhibit weak ferromagnetic and paramagnetic behaviour at 5 K and 300 K, respectively. The CuCo₂S₄ nanoparticles were explored for their enzyme mimetic activity using 3,3′,5,5′ tetramethylbenzidine (TMB) as a substrate. They exhibit better catalytic activity compared to that of a natural enzyme (horseradish peroxidase) and other metal sulfide nanoparticles reported in the literature.