Self-water-absorption-type two-dimensional composite photocatalyst with high-efficiency water absorption and overall water-splitting performance

Photocatalytic overall water splitting is an interesting research topic in the field of energy and outer space exploration. Here, we designed a P/MoS2 composite photocatalyst with self-water-absorption performance by compositing MoS2 nanosheets and polycrystalline black phosphorus nanosheets. The composite photocatalyst produced a sufficient amount of hydrogen in the absence of any precious metal. This also demonstrated photocatalytic overall water-splitting ability in the absence of any sacrificial agent. More interestingly, it effectively absorbed water and demonstrated good overall water-splitting performance under the simulated Mars conditions; the average hydrogen production rate was 17.68 & mu;mol h-1 g-1, and the oxygen production rate was 7.61 & mu;mol h-1 g-1 over a period of 70 h. A comprehensive investigation of the ability of the composite photocatalyst to absorb water and produce hydrogen was performed.

Automated summary

The research presents a composite photocatalyst with self-water-absorption performance, which can produce sufficient hydrogen without any precious metal or sacrificial agent. It also demonstrates good overall water-splitting performance under simulated Mars conditions.