CuCoS nanoparticles synthesized a thermal decomposition approach: evaluation of their potential as peroxidase mimics.

The current study demonstrates the synthesis of CuCoS nanoparticles using a novel thermal decomposition approach. The CuCoS nanoparticles were synthesized under various conditions by changing the source of sulfur and the solvent. The CuCoS nanoparticles were characterized using an array of analytical techniques. Powder XRD results indicate the successful formation of CuCoS nanoparticles. TEM results show agglomerated nanoparticles with close to spherical morphology and XPS measurements indicate the presence of Cu, Cu, Co, Co, and S in the samples. The CuCoS nanoparticles exhibit weak ferromagnetic and paramagnetic behaviour at 5 K and 300 K, respectively. The CuCoS nanoparticles were explored for their enzyme mimetic activity using 3,3',5,5' tetramethylbenzidine (TMB) as a substrate. They exhibit better catalytic activity compared to that of a natural enzyme (horseradish peroxidase) and other metal sulfide nanoparticles reported in the literature.