Few-layer WS2-MoS2 in-plane heterostructures for efficient photocatalytic hydrogen evolution

Although efficient H-2 evolution through water splitting under irradiation with light would solve severe global environmental and energy issues, finding efficient and eco-friendly photocatalysts from earth-abundant elements remains challenging. In this paper, we report WS2-MoS2 in-plane few-layer heterostructures that function as efficient photocatalysts. Because of the built-in potential at the epitaxially-grown WS2-MoS2 interface, the electron-hole carriers underwent rapid separation upon irradiation with light, such that the H-2 generation yield rate reached as high as 9.83 mmol g(-1) h(-1). This improved photocatalytic H-2 evolution from purely twodimensional in-plane heterostructures has the potential to deliver outstanding catalysts for solar energy conversion as well as the production of chemical fuels.

Automated summary

This study reports on WS2-MoS2 in-plane few-layer heterostructures as efficient photocatalysts, with built-in potential at the interface leading to rapid separation of electron-hole carriers and high H-2 generation rates. The improved photocatalytic H-2 evolution from these structures has the potential to serve as outstanding catalysts for solar energy conversion and chemical fuels production.