MoSx supported hematite with enhanced photoelectrochemical performance

Abstract

By creating a p–n heterojunction of molybdenum sulfide (MoS_x)/Ti-doped Fe₂O₃ (Ti-Fe₂O₃), we successfully addressed electron–hole transfer problems of hematite and thus achieved the enhanced photoelectrochemical (PEC) performance. MoS_x/Ti-Fe₂O₃ with a thin MoS_x layer on the surface of Ti-Fe₂O₃ fabricated a p–n junction that provided facile charge transfer pathways due to an internal electric field between Ti-Fe₂O₃ and MoS_x, and achieved suppressed charge recombination. The optimized MoS_x/Ti-Fe₂O₃ sample showed a 240% increased photocurrent density (3.03 mA cm⁻²) over pristine Fe₂O₃ at RHE 1.50 V. All our data including IPCE, PL, and EIS clearly confirmed the improved PEC performance of MoS_x/Ti-Fe₂O₃ achieved by the formation of a p–n junction with a facile electron–hole transport pathway.