Facile synthesis of chromium doped cadmium sulfide/zinc telluride nanocomposites for enhanced electrochemical energy storage and photocatalytic applications

Polluted industrial wastewater from various dyes is becoming a serious problem that needs to be addressed as soon as possible to preserve the ecosystem. Additionally, in pursuit of effective capacitive electrode materials, we synthesized bifunctional Chromium doped Cadmium Sulfide/Zinc Telluride (Cr–CdS/ZnTe) nanocomposites for enhanced energy storage and improved photocatalytic activity using a sonochemical approach. XRD, Raman, EDX, and FT-IR results confirmed the successful formation of Cr–CdS/ZnTe nanocomposites. UV–Vis analysis presented that the bandgap of CdS/ZnTe nanocomposites was decreased by increasing the Cr concentration. The prepared Cr–CdS/ZnTe nanocomposites exhibited a nanoflake-like morphology as can be in SEM micrographs. The optimized sample (5 % Cr–CdS/ZnTe nanocomposites) showed boosted photocatalytic activity with degradation efficiencies of 99.43, 99.72, and 96.97 % against MB, MO, and RhB respectively, after 45, 45, and 40 min of visible light irradiation. For the first time, the electrochemical properties of Cr–CdS/ZnTe nanocomposites were also studied. The electrode based on 5 % Cr–CdS/ZnTe nanocomposites offered a higher specific capacitance of 523.6 F/g, an exceptional energy density of 18.18 W h/Kg, and a boosted power density of 250 W/kg at a current density of 1 A/g. This research opens up new opportunities for Cr–CdS/ZnTe nanocomposites to be used in environmental, and energy storage applications.