Development of hierarchical copper sulfide–carbon nanotube (CuS–CNT) composites and utilization of their superior carrier mobility in efficient charge transport towards photodegradation of Rhodamine B under visible light
Mainak Das, D. Das, Sayantan Sil, Partha Pratim Ray
Abstract
) characteristics of both CuS and T-CuS based Schottky diodes were measured to determine the charge transport parameters like photosensitivity, conductivity, mobility of charge carriers, and transit time. The photocatalytic performance of bare CuS and T-CuS in the decomposition of Rhodamine B dye was studied using a solar simulator. The T-CuS composite showed higher photocatalytic activity (94%) compared to bare CuS (58%). The significance of charge carrier mobility in transferring photo-induced charges (holes and electrons) through complex networks of composites and facilitating the photodegradation process is explained. Finally, the reactive species responsible for the Rhodamine B degradation were also identified.