Reduction of 4-Nitrophenol and Adsorption of Rhodamine B Using Reduced Graphene Oxide-Copper Sulfide Nanomaterial

Abstract

Polyethylene imine (PEI) is used as an effective chemical agent for the reduction of graphene oxide (GO) to reduced graphene oxide (rGO). It is water-soluble, stable and cost-effective, and the reaction condition is easily achievable. The rGO nanocomposite are decorated with CuS nanoparticles by a single-step hydrothermal method. GO is assisted by precursors of Cu2+ and S2– in well-defined ratios. Several analysis methods are used such as UV–Vis, FTIR, XRD with SEM coupled with EDS to develop the structure and morphology of synthesized rGO-CuS nanocomposites. GO is assisted by Cu2+ and S2– precursors in well-defined ratios. Several analysis methods are used such as UV–Vis spectrophotometry, FTIR spectroscopy, X‑ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) for the structural and morphological characterizations of the synthesized rGO-CuS nanocomposites. The structural and optical properties are discussed and the results obtained are compared to the literature. The prepared material has been tested in various applications, it is used as a Calisher for the reduction of 4-nitrophenol to 4-aminophenol and the degradation of Rhodamine B (Rh B).