Enhanced Photocatalytic and Photoluminescence Properties of NiS Doped with Pr ³⁺ for Efficient Dye Degradation: Kinetics and Isotherm Studies

Abstract This study presents the successful synthesis of NiS doped with Pr 3+ nanoparticles via the reflux method, followed by characterization techniques such as XRD, SEM, TEM, FTIR, BET, Raman, PL, and UV–vis spectroscopy. The nanoparticles exhibited particle sizes ranging from 12 to 19 nm using the Scherrer equation. EDX analysis confirmed the presence of Ni, S, and Pr, verifying the successful incorporation of Pr 3+ . When excited at 424 nm, the photoluminescence emission spectrum shows electronic transitions such as 3 P₁ → 3 H 5 , 3 P₀ → 3 H 5 , 1 D 2 → 3 H 4 , 3 P₀ → 3 F 2 . Chromaticity (CIE) of the doped samples at varying Pr 3 ⁺ concentrations indicates the potential for white light emission, highlighting their applicability in solid‐state lighting. BET analysis reveals a notable increase in surface area with higher Pr 3 ⁺ doping levels. NiS doped with Pr 3+ nanoparticles demonstrate excellent photocatalytic degradation efficiencies under UV light, achieving 96% degradation of rhodamine B, 92% of methylene blue, 95% of methyl orange, and 94% of congo red within 90 min, and follow pseudo‐first‐order kinetics. This study offers a detailed evaluation of the influence of Pr 3 ⁺ doping on the luminescent and photocatalytic performance of NiS nanoparticles, underscoring their potential for environmental remediation and optoelectronic applications.