Synthesis of Ni-MoSx/g-C3N4 for Photocatalytic Hydrogen Evolution under Visible Light

Graphitic carbon nitride loaded with MoSx nanodots (MoSx/g-C3N4) was synthesized through a sonochemical method. MoSx nanodots (3 similar to 20 nm) are shown to have the same excellent co-catalytic H-2 evolution performance as that of Pt. Nevertheless, the photocatalytic activity of MoSx/g-C3N4 decreased with time. To overcome this instability, we show that co-incorporation of Ni can significantly reduce the photo-corrosion. The rate of H-2 evolution of Ni-MoSx/g-C3N4 photocatalyst reaches a maximum of 5968 mu mol h(-1) g(-1), which is 89 % higher than that of Pt/g-C3N4. The element mapping images show that Ni is deposited on the surface of MoSx. The co-presence of Ni and MoSx not only enhance optical light absorption by g-C3N4, but also significantly improve the separation efficiency of photocarriers and thus the photocatalytic hydrogen evolution efficiency.