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Exploring optoelectronic synergy for sustainable energy and cleaner environments: utilizing ZrS3:MnS2:Ni9S8 thin film for dual-function supercapacitors and photocatalytic degradation

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Abstract

This research endeavors to comprehensively expound upon the effective production and analysis of thin films composed of ZrS3:MnS2:Ni9S8 ternary metal sulfides, achieved through the implementation of diethyl dithiocarbamate as a sulfur source via the process of physical vapor deposition. Through the utilization of X-ray diffraction analysis, the discerned crystallite size of the thin films was determined to be 27 nm. Insights into the optical characteristics manifested a bandgap energy measuring 2.6 eV. Zr 3d, S 2p, Ni 2p, and Mn 2p core levels were found in the material through the X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The electrochemical features of the substance were analyzed through cyclic voltammetry, displaying noteworthy specific capacitance of 532 Fg−1. Furthermore, the thin film revealed commendable cycle stability, thus establishing them as a highly promising contender for various energy storage applications. An in-depth investigation was conducted to explore the photocatalytic prowess of the material, specifically its ability to effectively degrade a diverse range of environmental pollutants. The results exhibited good degradation rate constants 1.43 × 10–2, 2.25 × 10–2, and 2.42 × 10–2 min−1, for crystal violet dye, pesticide, and phenol, respectively, with the highest degradation for phenol being 76.5%. These findings serve as compelling evidence of the extensive technological prospects offered by ternary metal sulfide thin films, extending beyond their role in energy storage to encompass advanced applications such as photodegradation and beyond.

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Acknowledgements

Authors express their gratitude to the Department of Environmental Sciences, Fatima Jinnah Women University, Pakistan for providing the technical and financial facilities needed for completion of this work. Authors also acknowledge the Higher Education Commission of Pakistan and Photon Science Institute, The University of Manchester, UK. The authors highly acknowledge Xuzhao Liu, PhD student, The University of Manchester, UK, for his tremendous help and assistance during the research. We are highly thankful to the Higher Education Commission of Pakistan for providing financial support for this research under NRPU project No. 15782.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Materials and Environmental Chemistry Lab, Lab E-21, Department of Environmental Science, Fatima Jinnah Women University, The Mall, Rawalpindi, 46000, Pakistan

    Mahwash Mahar Gul & Khuram Shahzad Ahmad

  2. Department of Materials, Photon Science Institute, Sir Henry Royce Institute, Alan Turing Building,, The University of Manchester, Oxford Road, Manchester, M13 9PL, UK

    Andrew Guy Thomas

  3. Department of Chemistry, College of Science, Majmaah University, Al-Majmaah, 11952, Saudi Arabia

    Laila Almanqur

  4. Chemistry Department, Faculty of Science and Arts in Almakhwah, Al-Baha University, Al Baha, Saudi Arabia

    Suliman A. Alderhami

  5. Department of General Studies, Royal Commission for Jubail and Yanbu, Yanbu Industrial College, P.O. Box: 30436, Yanbu City, Saudi Arabia

    Yasser T. Alharbi

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  1. Mahwash Mahar Gul
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Contributions

MMG investigated the topic, prepared methodology, performed data curation, did formal analysis, did experimental work, and wrote the research paper. KSA did research supervision, investigated the topic, prepared methodology, did formal analysis, and wrote the research paper. AGT Investigated the topic, did formal analysis, and reviewed the paper. LA did formal analysis and reviewed the paper. SA did formal analysis and reviewed the paper. YTA assisted during the revision of the paper.

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Correspondence to Khuram Shahzad Ahmad.

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Gul, M.M., Ahmad, K.S., Thomas, A.G. et al. Exploring optoelectronic synergy for sustainable energy and cleaner environments: utilizing ZrS3:MnS2:Ni9S8 thin film for dual-function supercapacitors and photocatalytic degradation. Chem. Pap. 78, 519–532 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11696-023-03107-5

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