Preparation and Characterization of CuFeS2 Nanoparticles Synthesized via Hydrothermal Method

Abstract

Abstract: This research involved the successful synthesis of CuFeS2 nanoparticles using a hydrothermal method. The CuFeS2 nanoparticles were characterized using various analytical techniques, including X-ray diffraction (XRD), Raman spectroscopy, field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), UV-Visible spectroscopy, and Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) surface area analysis. The tetragonal crystalline structure was determined using X-ray diffraction (XRD) examination, indicating a particle size of 14 nm. The existence of chalcopyrite CuFeS2 nanoparticles was established by the analysis of Raman spectra. The amorphous morphology was observed by FESEM imaging. The existence of Cu, Fe,and S elements was verified using EDX analysis, with no significant impurities observed. The UV-Visible investigation revealed a significant capacity for absorption within the wavelength region of 500-600 nm, accompanied by an energy band gap of 2.35 eV. The examination of BETsurface area revealed a surface area of 62 m²/g and a pore size of 10 nm. The obtained findings suggest that the CuFeS2 nanoparticles possess favorable properties that render them appropriate for use in photocatalytic applications.