Gamma irradiation effect on photocatalytic properties of Cu and Sr ions codoped PbS

• Published in: Environmental research Vol. 226; p. 115651
• Main Authors: Jeya, P., Keerthana, SP, Kungumadevi, L., Yuvakkumar, R., Ravi, G., Kandasami, Asokan, Senthil, T.S.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Netherlands Elsevier Inc 01.06.2023
• Subjects: Coloring Agents - chemistry; Cu and Sr ions Codoped PbS; Gamma irradiation; Methylene Blue - chemistry; Photocatalytic; Sunlight; X-Ray Diffraction; Photocatalytic; Cu and Sr ions Codoped PbS; Gamma irradiation
• ISSN: 0013-9351; 1096-0953
• DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2023.115651

Gamma-irradiation effects on photocatalytic action of PbS nanocrystallites codoped with Cu and Sr ions were performed for organic dye degradation. The physical and chemical characterizations of these nanocrystallites were examined employing X-ray diffraction, Raman, and field emission electron microscopic analysis. The optical bandgaps of gamma-irradiated PbS with co-dopants have shifted from 1.95 eV (pristine PbS) to 2.45 eV in the visible spectrum. Under direct sunlight, the photocatalytic action of these compounds against methylene blue (MB) was investigated. Observations indicated that gamma-irradiated Pb(0.98)Cu0.01Sr0.01S nanocrystallite sample exhibits a higher photocatalytic degradation activity of 74.02% in 160 min and stability of 69.4% after three cycles, suggesting that gamma irradiation could potentially influence organic MB degradation. This is due to combined action of high-energy gamma irradiation (at an optimzed dose), which causes sulphur vacancies, and defects created by dopant ions, which alter the crystal structure by inducing strain in the crystal lattice, hence altering the crystallinity of PbS. •Gamma irradiation on photocatalytic action of dye degradation was performed.•Bandgap increases from 1.95 eV (pristine PbS) to 2.45 eV with co-doping of Cu, Sr ions.•The codoping Cu and Sr ions in PbS photocatalytic action was examined.•It shows 74.02% degradation in 160 min with 69.4% stability after 3 cycles.