Engineering of 2D/2D MoS2/CdxZn1-xS Photocatalyst for Solar H2 Evolution Coupled with Degradation of Plastic in Alkaline Solution

Sufficiently utilizing photogenerated electron/hole pairs for a coupled redox enables green, sustainable, and low-cost photocatalysis. Herein, a series of MoS2/CdxZn1-xS photocatalysts with uniform 2D/2D structure are reported for solar water-reductive H-2 products coupled with the degradation of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) plastic. The MoS2/Cd0.5Zn0.5S heterojunction with a loading mass of 4.3 wt% MoS2 exhibits the best H-2 evolution rate of 15.90 mmol g(-1) h(-1) in an aqueous solution due to its appropriate redox ability, great light absorption, and carrier separation abilities. Then, the oxidation products of PET are analyzed by H-1-NMR spectroscopy, which demonstrates the PET being efficiently degraded to molecule compounds, such as formate and acetate. The work provides a feasible solution to the problem of plastic pollution and meets the demand for sustainable clean energy simultaneously.

Automated summary

The MoS2/Cd0.5Zn0.5S heterojunction with a loading mass of 4.3 wt% MoS2 demonstrates the best H-2 evolution rate of 15.90 mmol g(-1) h(-1 in an aqueous solution due to appropriate redox ability, great light absorption, and carrier separation abilities. The oxidation products of PET are analyzed by H-1-NMR spectroscopy, demonstrating efficient degradation to molecule compounds such as formate and acetate, providing a feasible solution to plastic pollution and sustainable clean energy demand simultaneously.