Boosting charge transfers in cadmium sulfide nanorods with a few layered Ni-doped MoS2 nanosheets for enhanced photocatalytic hydrogen evolution

The molybdenum sulfide (MoS2) is a promising low-cost photocatalyst aimed at the hydrogen production reactions, however, obtaining a detailed understanding of its catalytic site has proved to be a challenging task. Several studies indicated that the active sites for catalytic reaction are mainly associated with the edge sites of 2D-layered MoS2, and their basal plane (in-plane) displays poor activity toward catalytic reactions. Herein, we established the simple approaches to enhance the activity of MoS2 by conversion of in plane active sites into active surface edge sites by transition metal (Ni) doping followed by exfoliation. These activated MoS2 was utilized for enormous upgrading of CdS photocatalytic activity for hydrogen production and is roughly 249 mmol h(-1) g(-1), which is 70 times higher than pure CdS, showed similar to 140 h stable H-2 production. The amended conductivity, improved surface area and huge active sites are extremely advantageous properties expanded by metal doping to MoS2 and exfoliation. Additionally, another reason for the enhanced activity of Ni-MoS2/CdS system was due to promotion of catalytic kinetics by Ni and Mo sits, they are admirable activity of water dissociation and higher ability of hydrogen adsorption correspondingly. These modifications made of superior photogenerated charge carriers' separation and migration for effective utilization. As far as we know, this system demonstrates the utmost effective performance among inclusive reported MoS2 based CdS composites. Remarkably, these outcomes will have abundant potential for the progress of immensely actual photocatalytic systems. (c) 2022 Published by Elsevier Ltd on behalf of Hydrogen Energy Publications LLC.

Automated summary

This article introduces a method of improving the activity of MoS2 by transition metal (Ni) doping and exfoliation, enhancing its performance in hydrogen production photocatalytic reactions. The results of the study show that the modified MoS2/CdS composite has 70 times higher activity in hydrogen production compared to pure CdS, with stable hydrogen production ability. Metal doping and exfoliation improve the conductivity, surface area, and active sites of MoS2, while promoting catalytic kinetics and effective utilization of photogenerated charges.