The Pt-free 1T/2H-MoS2/CdS/MnOx hollow core-shell nanocomposites toward overall water splitting via HER/OER synergy of 1T-MoS2/MnOx

Hydrogen evolution reaction/Oxygen evolution reaction (HER/OER) synergy would be the most important issue for overall water splitting. The Pt-free 1T/2H-MoS2/CdS/MnOx hollow core-shell nanocomposites are fabricated via a continuous hydrothermal-chemical method; therefore, the OER co-catalysts MnOx and CdS shell are deposited on the surface of SiO2 nanosphere templates continuously via hydrothermal-chemical method. Subsequently, the SiO2 templates are etched via chemical method and the 2H-MoS2/CdS hollow core-shell heterojunction and 1T-MoS2 HER co-catalyst are introduced via one-step hydrothermal method. Evaluated by photocatalytic performance, the 1T/2H-MoS2/CdS/MnOx exhibits an enhanced HER performance of about similar to 50 folds than that of single CdS hollow nanosphere, and achieves a decent overall water splitting performance of about similar to 1668.00(H-2)/824.61(O-2) mu mol/g.h, which can be mainly ascribed to the well HER/OER synergy and formation of hollow core-shell structure. Therefore, the 1T-MoS2 with quick electron transport and decent solid/liquid interface can promote the photogenerated electron diffusing, the MnOx with mixed Mn3+/Mn4+ ions can activate the hole-related species for OH- oxidation and promote H2O2 decomposition, the 2H-MoS2/CdS heterojunction can separate the charge carrier and meet the potential to achieve overall water splitting. Additionally, the 1T/2H-MoS2 with decent lattice matching can improve the charge carrier transport, the 1T-MoS2 with sufficient specific surface areas can increase active sites and the hollow core-shell structure can increase solar efficiency which is also beneficial for enhancing the overall water splitting performance and stability. (C) 2021 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Automated summary

The Pt-free 1T/2H-MoS2/CdS/MnOx hollow core-shell nanocomposites exhibit enhanced HER performance and overall water splitting performance, mainly due to the well HER/OER synergy and formation of hollow core-shell structure.