Photoactive TiO2/MoS2 electrode with prolonged stability

TiO2/MoS2 composites are synthesized by means of a novel and environmentally friendly electrodeposition technique. MoS2 is prepared via the hydrothermal process from Na2MoO4 and CH4N2S with the use of different surfactants such as Pluronic, SDBS, CTAB, and PEG-1000. TiO2 in the form of nanotubes grows on Ti foil via anodization. The physicochemical properties of the obtained materials are studied by means of XRD, Raman spectroscopy, and SEM. MoS2 forms a layered structure, while TiO2 features well-defined and highly crystallized nanotubes. The deposition of MoS2 on the surface of TiO2 via the electrochemical method is conducted in a three-electrode cell with the use of a water-based suspension of MoS2 at a pH close to neutral. The morphology and photo-electrochemical properties of the MoS2-modified TiO2 photoanodes are studied. The stability of TiO2/MoS2 composites is successfully investigated by repeating photocurrent-time characteristics in the period of 8 months. A shift in flat-band potential accompanied by increased photocurrent and hydrogen production indicate a type II heterostructure. (C) 2018 Hydrogen Energy Publications LLC. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.