Hydrothermal Synthesis of CuS Nanoparticles with Tunable Structural and Optical Properties

This research presents the successful synthesis of copper sulfide (CuS) nanoparticles (NPs) through a controlled hydrothermal synthesis approach. Complete material characterization is performed using multiple analytical techniques, including scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis, UV-visible diffuse reflectance spectroscopy, differential thermal analysis, and photoluminescence measurements. SEM indicated the presence of NPs, and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy data confirmed the existence of sulfur and copper elements as primary constituents of the synthesized materials. Crystallographic investigation through XRD provided detailed structural information, with an average particle size of 18.07 nm. The sample confirms a hexagonal crystal framework with 12-fold coordination geometry. CuS nanostructures displayed characteristic optical absorption behavior in the ultraviolet spectrum, with notable absorption features spanning a 150–500 nm wavelength range, revealing a calculated optical bandgap of 2.19 eV. Photoluminescence analysis shows emission at a 503 nm wavelength, indicating characteristic blue emission in the synthesized materials. Thermal characterization showed a material stability across the 300–400°C temperature range, with exothermic behavior occurring at 342°C, complemented by heat release of 50.5 µV.

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