Assessment of photocatalytic efficiency and antifungal activity of zinc doped copper sulfide composite embedded with graphene oxide nanosheets

This study introduces a novel Zn Doped CuS-Graphene Oxide (Zn.CuS/GO) nano-composite synthesized through a simplified precipitation method. The compound's unique attributes were meticulously characterized to unveil its potential significance. Structural analysis via X-ray powder diffraction (XRD) and Scanning Electron Microscopy (FESEM) revealed its crystalline arrangement and morphology. Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) unveiled distinctive functional groups in the nanocomposite. Intriguingly, the Zn.CuS nanoparticles crystalline size ranged from 7 to 10 nm, while the average crystalline size of Zn.CuS/GO was 50-51 nm. Thermal stability, affirmed through thermogravimetric analysis, highlighted strong interactions between Graphene Oxide (GO) and Zn.CuS. The nanocomposite's electrophoretic stability, gauged via zeta potential at -15.2 mV, coupled with an agglomerate size of 185 nm, showcased its potential for diverse applications. Electrochemical assessments corroborated its supercapactive nature through cyclic voltammetry and impedance spectroscopy. Notably, the Zn.CuS/GO nano-composite displayed remarkable photocatalytic prowess, degrading 82 % of rhodamine B, and exhibited potent antifungal activity. These characteristics position it as a versatile contender for applications spanning water treatment and beyond. In essence, this study pioneers a facile approach to craft the Zn.CuS/GO nano-composite, emphasizing its multifaceted attributes. This material holds promise for innovative solutions in diverse fields, underscored by its facile synthesis, impressive functionality, and potential for sustainable advancements.