Empowering progress: unraveling the promising capabilities of Cu2S:ZnS:NiS2 trimetal sulphide thin films

• Published in: Frontiers of materials science Vol. 18; no. 3
• Main Authors: Gul, Mahwash Mahar, Ahmad, Khuram Shahzad, Thomas, Andrew Guy, Habila, Mohamed A.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Beijing Higher Education Press 01.09.2024; Springer Nature B.V
• Subjects: Chemistry and Materials Science; Copper sulfides; Crystallites; Electrochemical analysis; Energy storage; Materials Science; Optical properties; Performance degradation; Photocatalysis; Photodegradation; Photoelectrons; Physical vapor deposition; Research Article; Thin films; X ray photoelectron spectroscopy; Zinc sulfide; thin film; photocatalyst; energy storage; metal sulphide; supercapacitor
• ISSN: 2095-025X; 2095-0268
• DOI: 10.1007/s11706-024-0695-7

This study focuses on the synthesis and characterization of a thin film comprising of trimetallic sulphide, Cu 2 S:ZnS:NiS 2 . 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.