Empowering progress: unraveling the promising capabilities of Cu2S:ZnS:NiS2 trimetal sulphide thin films
Mahwash Mahar Gul1, Khuram Shahzad Ahmad1(), Andrew Guy Thomas2, Mohamed A. Habila3
1. Department of Environmental Sciences, Fatima Jinnah Women University, Rawalpindi 46000, Pakistan 2. Department of Materials, Photon Science Institute, Sir Henry Royce Institute, Alan Turing Building, The University of Manchester, Oxford Road, Manchester M13 9PL, UK 3. Department of Chemistry, College of Science, King Saud University, P.O. Box 2455, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
This study focuses on the synthesis and characterization of a thin film comprising of trimetallic sulphide, Cu2S:ZnS:NiS2. The fabrication process involved the utilization of diethyldithiocarbamate as a sulfur source, employing physical vapor deposition. A range of analytical techniques were employed to elucidate the material’s structure, morphology, and optical characteristics. The thin film exhibited a well-defined crystalline structure with an average crystallite size of 33 nm. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy provided distinct core level peaks associated with Cu 2p, Zn 2p, Ni 2p, and S 2p. The electrochemical properties were assessed through voltammetry measurements, which demonstrated an impressive specific capacitive of 797 F·g−1. The thin film demonstrated remarkable stability over multiple cycles, establishing it as a highly promising candidate for diverse energy storage applications. In addition, comprehensive investigations were carried out to assess the photocatalytic performance of the fabricated material, particularly its efficacy in the degradation of diverse environmental pollutants. These notable findings emphasize the versatility of trimetal sulphide thin films, expanding their potential beyond energy storage and opening avenues for further research and technological advancements in fields including photocatalysis and beyond.
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