Construction of MoS2/CND-WO3 Ternary Composite for Photocatalytic Hydrogen Evolution

Abstract

In the current work, photocatalysts with high efficiency and ability to drive under visible light were fabricated through the optimal incorporation of MoS2 into carbon nanodots (CND)-WO3 composites for hydrogen (H2) evolution through water splitting process under visible light illumination. XRD, SEM, EDX, BET, UV–vis absorption and photoluminescence emission (PL) spectroscopy were utilized to investigate the specific surface area, optical properties crystallographic structure, morphology, purity and elemental composition. The experimental results confirmed the monoclinic and hexagonal phase structure for composite nanostructures with average nanoparticle size of 8 nm. The efficient charge separation in ternary photocatalyst was confirmed through photoluminescence emission spectra. The photocatalytic performance of the ternary composite (1% MoS2/CND-WO3) was found superior when compared to that of pure and binary photocatalysts. However, further increase in concentration of MoS2 into composite has lessened the photocatalytic performance. The improved H2 evolution activity was ascribed to enhance efficiency of charge separation, extended region of visible-light absorption, strengthened W–O–C bonds, availability of more no. of active sites for reaction and high specific surface area. Considering our present study as cost-effective strategy, the as-synthesized photocatalysts can be favorable and give a new perspective for applied use in energy and environmental applications.