Exploring Cu doping and gamma irradiation effect on lead sulfide nanocrystallites for efficient environmental remediation of wastewater

In this study, we investigated the influence of Cu doping and gamma irradiation on the photocatalytic activity of lead sulfide (PbS) nanoparticles for methylene blue (MB) degradation under solar light. Enhanced photocatalytic activity was evidenced by the elevated degradation rates of MB. The optical bandgap of the γ-irradiated Pb(1-x)CuxS (where x = 0 to 0.02) was determined to be between 2.15 eV and 2.72 eV, facilitating the modulation of optical bandgaps in PbS. Additional analyses incorporating photoluminescence and the Brunauer (Emmett) Teller method were used to determine optical properties, surface area, and pore distribution. The photocatalytic degradation of MB under sunlight irradiation was also investigated. Notably, gamma-irradiated Pb0.99Cu0.01S exhibited a remarkable MB degradation efficiency of 73.64 %, demonstrating its stability over three consecutive cycles. This underscores its inherent stability and potential for repeated use. Overall, these findings highlight the significant potential of gamma-irradiated Cu-doped PbS nanoparticles as durable, renewable photocatalysts for efficient degradation in aqueous media, thereby offering a promising approach for environmental remediation.