Synthesis of MoS2/g-C3N4 as a solar light-responsive photocatalyst for organic degradation

A novel molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) and graphitic carbon nitride (g-C3N4) composite photocatalyst was synthesized using a low temperature hydrothermal method. MoS2 nanoparticles formed on g-C3N4 nanosheets greatly enhanced the photocatalytic activity of g-C3N4. The photocatalyst was tested for the degradation of methyl orange (MO) under simulated solar light. Composite 3.0 wt.% MoS2/g-C3N4 showed the highest photocatalytic activity for MO decomposition. MoS2 nanoparticles can increase the interfacial charge transfer and thus prevent the recombination of photo-generated electron-hole pairs. The novel MoS2/g-C3N4 composite is therefore shown as a promising catalyst for photocatalytic degradation of organic pollutants using solar energy. (C) 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.