Loading Rh single atoms onto hollow cubic Cu2MoS4 nanoparticles for decreased electron/hole recombination and increased photocatalytic performance

Abstract

In this study, hollow cubic Cu2MoS4 nanoparticles were synthesized via a facile hydrothermal method. Following that, Rh single atoms were loaded onto the surface of Cu2MoS4 nanoparticles to prevent electron/hole recombination. The cubic morphology of Cu2MoS4 nanoparticles and the presence of Rh atoms were investigated by Transmitting Electron Microscope (TEM). The crystal structure of the synthesized Rh-loaded Cu2MoS4 was studied by X-ray diffraction (XRD). The shift in Rh X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS) peaks indicated the intimate interaction between Rh and Cu2MoS4, providing a pathway for the charge transfer. The photocatalytic efficiency of the synthesized photocatalysts was significantly enhanced by introducing Rh single atoms onto the Cu2MoS4 surface. Consecutive photocatalytic dye degradation experiments revealed that Rh-loaded Cu2MoS4 nanoparticles could be recycled and reused multiple times with no drop in the photocatalytic efficiency. The improved photocatalytic performance of Rh-loaded Cu2MoS4 was attributed to a lower charge transfer resistance, higher charge transfer rate, and longer charge carrier lifetime. The most crucial reactive radical was detected to be ⋅O2- while e- and h+ are also playing an essential role in the photocatalytic degradation of RhB on Rh-loaded Cu2MoS4. This study highlighted the importance of forming a Schottky junction between Rh and Cu2MoS4 to enhance charge carrier separation and improve photocatalytic efficiency.