Enhanced Photocatalytic Hydrogen Evolution and Antibacterial Activities of Ternary Chevrel Phases

Chevrel phases consisted of abundant materials, are of great interest in a variety of energy conversion and storage technologies because of unique structural and electronic features. Herein, crystalline Mn2Mo6S8, Fe2Mo6S8 and Cu2Mo6S8 Chevrel phases with cubic shapes and homogeneous atomic distribution have been synthesized by solid state method and characterized by advanced analytical techniques. These Chevrel phase catalysts have been investigated for the photocatalytic hydrogen evolution in eosin-Y and triethanolamine media as sensitizer and sacrificial agent, respectively, under visible light irradiation. Mn2Mo6S8 showed the highest photocatalytic hydrogen evolution activity, which is 2.5-fold and 3-fold greater than that of Fe2Mo6S8 and Cu2Mo6S8, respectively. The photocatalytic activity differences of Chevrel phase catalysts can be explained by atomic properties of Mn, Fe and Cu metals. Moreover, the antibacterial efficiencies of Mn2Mo6S8, Fe2Mo6S8 and Cu2Mo6S8 have been also examined on Gram-negative Escherichia coli and Gram-positive Staphylococcus aureus, as model microorganisms. Accordingly, Mn2Mo6S8 exhibited physical membrane damages such as dents, wrinkled cells and cell elongation and has the most superior antibacterial activity under NIR irradiation.

Automated summary

In this study, cubic Mn2Mo6S8, Fe2Mo6S8, and Cu2Mo6S8 Chevrel phase catalysts with homogeneous atomic distribution were synthesized and characterized. Mn2Mo6S8 exhibited the highest photocatalytic hydrogen evolution activity and superior antibacterial activity. These findings are of great importance for energy conversion and storage technologies as well as antibacterial applications.