LAUSR

This study outlines the impact of Co doping on the structures, morphologies, optical, and photochemical activities of nanoporous CdS films for efficient solar energy conversion. A sequence of nanotextured films of cadmium cobalt sulfide (Cd1 − xCoxS; where x = 0, 0.02, 0.04, 0.06, and 0.08) were grown on glass substrates using spray pyrolysis method followed by annealing at 300 °C for 2 h. The grown Cd1 − xCoxS films are of single wurtzite phase and polycrystalline nature. The preferential crystallographic growth of Cd1 − xCoxS nanocrystallites along the (002) is changed to (101) direction for x ≥ 0.06. The crystallite size and lattice parameters are decreased for x ≤ 0.04. Also, the absorption is increased and the optical bandgap is decreased to 2.40 eV at 6% Co-doping. The morphological study reveals the growth of agglomerated pure CdS nanorods. The incorporation of Co increases the density of nanorods, which self-assembled to form nanoporous surface at 2 and 4%. A random distribution of irregular nanorods accompanied by patterned spherical clusters is observed at 6%, which is assembled to a nanoporous pattern at 8%. The photocatalytic performances and reaction kinetics of the films are investigated for methylene blue dye decomposition under sunlight and artificial light illumination. The 6% Co-doped film reached the complete removal after 240 min under sunlight irradiation. This film showed higher stability than pure CdS film for 7 runs. Therefore, the combination of spray pyrolysis and adjustable doping level is a viable way for producing large-scale and reusable photocatalytic films for eco-friendly removal of dyes from industrial wastewater. Cd1 − xCoxS nanofilms of different doping levels (0 ≤ x ≤ 8%) have been designed. Morphological, structural, and optical properties of Cd1 − xCoxS films were studied. The photocatalytic performance and stability of Cd1 − xCoxS films were investigated Cd0.94Co0.06S film is the most suitable film for MB dye degradation under sunlight. Reaction kinetics and reusability are studied under sunlight and artificial light. Cd1 − xCoxS nanofilms of different doping levels (0 ≤ x ≤ 8%) have been designed. Morphological, structural, and optical properties of Cd1 − xCoxS films were studied. The photocatalytic performance and stability of Cd1 − xCoxS films were investigated Cd0.94Co0.06S film is the most suitable film for MB dye degradation under sunlight. Reaction kinetics and reusability are studied under sunlight and artificial light.