Lamellar flower-like porous MoS2 as an efficient cocatalyst to boost photocatalytic hydrogen evolution of CdS

Photocatalysts with novel structure and superior hydrogen (H-2) evolution activity are attractive to solve energy shortage and other environmental problems. As one of two-dimensional transition metal disulfides (2D TMDs), MoS2 cocatalyst with a unique lamellar flower-like porous structure was fabricated herein to boost the photocatalytic H-2 evolution of CdS. The porous MoS2/CdS photocatalyst reached a H-2 evolution activity of 54.1 mmol h(-1) g(-1), which is 36 times better than in case of pure CdS. Characterizations demonstrated that the promoted activity of the porous MoS2/CdS composite was strongly related to the distinctive cocatalyst structure. The coexistence of spherical porous and lamellar structures, as well as a heterojunction structure between MoS2 and CdS played crucial roles. A slow photo effect helped to enhance the visible-light utilization. The heterojunction structure of CdS particles with lamellar MoS2 accelerated the transfer of photo-induced electrons. This unique porous 2D TMD structure as a cocatalyst is expected to enhance activities for H-2 evolution of other photocatalysts as well.

Automated summary

The photocatalytic H-2 evolution activity of CdS was significantly enhanced by fabricating a unique porous MoS2 cocatalyst with a lamellar structure. The enhanced activity of the porous MoS2/CdS composite was attributed to the distinctive cocatalyst structure, including coexisting spherical porous and lamellar structures, as well as a heterojunction structure between MoS2 and CdS. The heterojunction structure accelerated the transfer of photo-induced electrons, leading to improved visible-light utilization and potential enhancement of H-2 evolution activities in other photocatalysts.