Highly Active Agro-Waste-Extracted Cellulose-Supported CuInS₂ Nanocomposite for Visible-Light-Induced Photocatalysis

Abstract

Agro-waste-extracted cellulose-supported CuInS₂ nanocomposites were hydrothermally synthesized with significant photocatalytic activity under the influence of cellulose as a polymeric natural support that offers delay in electron-hole life. Delayed recombination process of electrons and holes was perceived by parting of cellulose as a barrier or edge during photochemical reaction, which overall enhances the lifetime of photocatalyst. The photodegradation efficiency over five consecutive cycles along with scavenging studies have been examined for RhB dye under visible light. The boosted photodegradation rate was observed at an optimum amount of cellulose (200 mg), which is ∼10 times higher than pristine CuInS₂.