Promoted charge separation on 3D interconnected Ti3C2/MoS2/CdS composite for enhanced photocatalytic H2 production

The construction of heterojunction has been regarded as an effective way to promote photocatalytic H-2 evolution activity, in which an intimately interfacial contact between the materials forming heterojunction is a positive effect on enhancing activity. Herein, a ternary 3D interconnected nanocomposite Ti3C2/MoS2/CdS was synthesized by a hydrothermal method. MoS2 nanosheet with a vertically aligned structure grew on the surface of multi-layered Ti3C2 to form 3D Ti3C2/MoS2 with tightly interfacial contact, which works as a cocatalyst for enhancing photocatalytic H-2 evolution. CdS as a photocatalyst covered the surface of Ti3C2/MoS2 to absorb light energy. Benefitting to the synergistic effect between Ti3C2 and MoS2, the Ti3C2/MoS2 further accelerates electron transfer and inhibits the recombination of carriers. The H-2 evolution rate of Ti3C2/MoS2/CdS reaches 15.2 mmol h(-1) g(-1) and the apparent quantum yield is 42.1% at lambda = 420 nm. The result provides a useful insight for developing cocatalysts with new nanostructures via controlled interfacial engineering. (C) 2022 Hydrogen Energy Publications LLC. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Automated summary

The construction of a ternary 3D interconnected nanocomposite Ti3C2/MoS2/CdS with closely interfacial contact has been successfully achieved. This composite material exhibits excellent photocatalytic H-2 evolution activity by accelerating electron transfer and inhibiting carrier recombination.