Construction of a crossed-layer-structure MoS2/g-C3N4 heterojunction with enhanced photocatalytic performance

Abstract

A novel crossed-layer-structure MoS₂/g-C₃N₄ (graphitic carbon nitride) was synthesized by a facile method, and was characterized by a collection of analytical techniques: X-ray diffraction patterns, FT-IR spectra, SEM, TEM, and XPS. The crossed-layer-structure morphologies of MoS₂/g-C₃N₄ could be readily tailored by adjusting the molar ratio of MoS₂ to dicyandiamide; with an increase in the molar ratio from 0.08% to 4%, a morphology transformation was observed. It can be used as a photocatalyst in degrading methyl orange under simulated solar light irradiation. These MoS₂/g-C₃N₄ samples demonstrated 2 to 3 times higher performance than pure g-C₃N₄. We also found that the highest phenol degradation activity was with MoS₂/g-C₃N₄-4 under visible light. The high performance was attributed to the unique morphology that provided low recombination losses of photogenerated charges.