A robust novel 0D/2D MoS3 QDs/C-doped atomically thin TiO2(B) nanosheet composite for highly efficient photocatalytic H2 evolution

Abstract

Developing efficient photocatalysts for H2 generation is of huge interest for sources of long-term sustainable energy. Here, a novel 0D/2D MoS3 quantum dots (QDs)/C-doped atomically thin TiO2(B) nanosheet composite (MoS3/TiO2(B)-C) was fabricated for H2 evolution. The simultaneous loading of the highly-efficient cocatalyst MoS3 and carbon and oxygen vacancy co-doping into an atomically thin TiO2(B) nanosheet was achieved by an annealing process. This unique nanostructure of the MoS3/TiO2(B)-C exhibits remarkable photocatalysis of H2 in the full spectrum. We obtain a yield of 2.47 mmol·g−1·h−1, 30 times higher than pure TiO2(B) nanosheet, and even higher than MoS2 and Pt loaded TiO2(B) nanosheets (2.23 and 2.36 mmol·g−1·h−1, respectively). In-depth characterization shows that notably MoS3 is a superior cocatalyst than MoS2 for H2 evolution and stability. We note MoS2 is an earth-abundant robust cocatalyst previously recognized as an ideal substitute for Pt. Importantly, this research work also provides new insights for the design and practical manufacture of low-cost highly efficient H2 generating photocatalysts by ultra-thin 2D materials.