Innovative preparation of MoS2-graphene heterostructures based on alginate containing (NH4)(2)MoS4 and their photocatalytic activity for H-2 generation

Films and particles of MoS2 on graphene (G) showing synergy for photocatalytic H-2 evolution due to the strong interaction between the two layered components have been obtained by pyrolysis at 900 degrees C under argon flow of ammonium alginate, films or powders, containing variable proportions of (NH4)(2)MoS4. X-ray diffraction shows that under these conditions (NH4)(2)MoS4 decomposes to MoS2, while simultaneously alginate forms few layers G or graphitic carbon residues. Sonication of MoS2-G powders in water produces exfoliation of the material leading to few-layers platelets of MoS2-G heterostructures. MoS2 is considered as an alternative of noble metals for H-2 evolution in dye-sensitized photocatalytic systems. In the present case, MoS2-G heterostructures exhibit more than double photocatalytic activity for H-2 generation than pristine MoS2 particles. (C) 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.