Formation of nanoneedle Cu(0)/CuS nanohybrid thin film by the disproportionation of a copper(i) complex at an oil–water interface and its application for dye degradation

Abstract

A nanoneedle Cu(0)/CuS nanohybrid thin film was synthesized by reaction of the [Cu(PPh₃)₃I] complex with Na₂S at the interface between toluene and water at room temperature. The catalytic activity of Cu(0)/CuS nanoneedles was investigated in the degradation of dyes in the presence or absence of H₂O₂. On the basis of comparative kinetic studies, the following trend was obtained for the degradation of different dyes in the presence of H₂O₂ and CuS catalyst: neutral dyes > cationic dyes > anionic dyes. Although the most popular degradation of methylene blue dye was studied using TiO₂ semiconductor particles in the presence of UV light, the present procedure involves only ambient conditions and sunlight in the room.