Direct Z-scheme MoSe2 decorating TiO2 nanotube arrays photocatalyst for water decontamination

Abstract

Exploring a Z-scheme heterojunction photocatalyst with efficient charge separation and outstanding redox ability is necessary but very challenging. Herein, a novel direct Z-scheme MoSe2 decorating TiO2 nanotube arrays photocatalyst (denoted as MoSe2@TNTs) was prepared by a facile in situ hydrothermal method. Few-layer MoSe2 nanosheets distribute on the surface of the TNTs without shielding the tubular structure. Compared with individual TNTs and MoSe2, the as-prepared MoSe2@TNTs composite displays much better photocatalytic activity for eliminating pollutants (such as 4-nitrophenol and hexavalent chromium). Investigation results reveal that TNTs combined with appropriate amount of MoSe2 as co-catalyst has direct Z-scheme construction instead of traditional type-II heterojunction, which can offer abundant photo-generated active species with high redox capacity.