Morphology-controlled synthesis of TiO2/MoS2 nanocomposites with enhanced visible-light photocatalytic activity

Abstract

The development of photocatalysts that utilize sunlight is very important for solving the energy crisis and reducing environmental pollution. In this report, two kinds of TiO₂/MoS₂ cocatalyst with novel morphologies (hollow and yolk–shell structure) are prepared via a polymer assisted targeted-etching method. MoS₂, as a typical two-dimensional (2D) layered transition metal sulfide, can accept electrons and provide active sites for photocatalytic reactions. Besides, with the assistance of MoS₂, the absorption band of the resultant heterostructures becomes broader and covers the entire visible region. Thus the photocatalytic activity of TiO₂ in the visible light region can be improved. Moreover, the hollow and yolk–shell heterostructures of TiO₂/MoS₂ possess a high specific surface area, and the excellent interface of the heterostructures enables the easy separation of holes and electrons, which can enhance the photodegradation of dye. The results demonstrate that the as-prepared TiO₂/MoS₂ nanocomposites with hollow and yolk–shell structures show outstanding catalytic activity which is tested through the degradation of methylene blue and rhodamine B under visible light. Our design provides a new strategy to acquire novel photocatalysts, with various nanostructures, that have remarkable potential applications in environmental protection, e.g. water treatment and dye pollutant degradation.