Colloidal Synthesis and Photocatalytic Properties of Cu(3)NbS(4) and Cu(3)NbSe(4) Sulvanite Nanocrystals

[Image: see text] Niobium sulvanites Cu(3)NbX(4) (X = S, Se) have been theoretically predicted as promising candidates for solar photovoltaics and photocatalytic water splitting. This report outlines the first synthesis of Cu(3)NbS(4) and Cu(3)NbSe(4) in a nanocrystalline form. The crystal structures were investigated by X-ray diffraction, identity was confirmed by Raman spectroscopy, and the optoelectronic properties and morphology of Cu(3)NbS(4) and Cu(3)NbSe(4) nanocrystals were examined by UV–vis spectroscopy and transmission electron microscopy, respectively. To gain insight into the Cu(3)NbX(4) formation, a mechanistic study was conducted for Cu(3)NbSe(4) monitoring the nanoparticles’ formation as a function of reaction time. Methylene blue photodegradation tests were conducted to evaluate the photoactivity of Cu(3)NbS(4) and Cu(3)NbSe(4). The degradation rates, 2.81 × 10(–2) min(–1) and 1.22 × 10(–2) min(–1) proved the photocatalysts’ potential of nanoscale Cu(3)NbX(4).