Enhanced photocatalytic and SERS performance of Ag nanoparticles functionalized MoS2 nanoflakes

Abstract

We report the preparation of Ag nanoparticles functionalized MoS2 nanoflakes by using the chemical reduction method followed by the hydrothermal method. Field emission scanning electron microscopy and elemental mapping reveals the uniform functionalization of Ag nanoparticles with MoS2 nanoflakes. High density of Ag plasmonic nanoparticles onto MoS2 nanoflakes demonstrates tremendously improved charge separation behavior in Ag–MoS2 nanohybrids. Photodecomposition capability of plasmonic Ag–MoS2 nanohybrids was explored by the decomposition of industrial pollutant molecules, showing a direct correlation between the Ag content over the MoS2 surface with their photodecomposition ability. The SERS-based detection profiles of the plasmonic were investigated by the ultra-low detection of MB molecules.The Ag–MoS2 nanohybrids SERS substrate manifests the detection of MB molecules solution up to a concentration of 10−9 M with an enhancement factor of 107. In the current study, we proposed and elucidated the probable efficient charge transfer mechanism for improved photocatalytic behavior and SERS-based sensing performance.