Facile fabrication of direct Z-scheme MoS2/Bi2WO6 heterojunction photocatalyst with superior photocatalytic performance under visible light irradiation

Direct Z-scheme photocatalyst systems with efficient charge separation as well as outstanding oxidation and reduction ability have been under immense investigation. In our work, direct Z-scheme MoS2/Bi2WO6 heterojunctions were prepared by a facile method. The heterostructure was formed by loading MoS2 nanoparticles on the surface of Bi2WO6 nanosheets. It was found that the as-prepared MOS2/Bi2WO6 composites showed superior photocatalytic activity than that of individual MoS2 and Bi2WO6. The optimal composite with 4 at% MoS2 content exhibited the highest photocatalytic activity. Based on the active species trapping experiments, photoluminescence spectroscopy analysis, and photocurrent responses, the possible enhanced photocatalytic mechanism could be ascribed to a direct Z-scheme heterojunction system which can not only increase the separation efficiency of photogenerated electron hole pairs but also possess a splendid oxidation and reduction ability for high photocatalytic performances. This work provides an effective approach to develop other Bi2WO6-based direct Z-scheme photocatalytic systems for environmental purification and energy conversion. (C) 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.