MoS2-mesoporous LaFeO3 hybrid photocatalyst: Highly efficient visible-light driven photocatalyst

Perovskite type materials have high potential photocatalytic application towards both hydrogen energy generation and organic dye degradation due to their high stability and good reusability. Here, it is the first analysis of photocatalytic degradation of RhB and hydrogen energy evolution under visible light over MoS₂/LaFeO₃ nanocomposite. The physicochemical properties of the materials were characterized using a range of techniques such as XRD, TEM, XPS, FTIR, PL, photocurrent, etc. The optical properties of the nanocomposite show good absorption in UV-Vis spectra as compared to the bare LaFeO₃. In this study, MoS₂/LaFeO₃ nanocomposite was synthesized through single step in situ hydrothermal processes with a narrow bandgap, enhanced photocatalytic application under visible light. This novel MoS₂/LaFeO₃ nanocomposite is an efficient and promising photocatalyst for both hydrogen energy evolution and organic dye degradation.     

Photoelectrocatalytic degradation of amoxicillin over quaternary ZnO/ZnSe/CdSe/MoS2 hierarchical nanorods

Quaternary semiconductor film consists of ZnO, ZnSe, CdSe and MoS₂ was designed to establish a core-shell structure to achieve the photoelectrochemical oxidation of amoxicillin. The hybrid photoelectrode was fabricated on a FTO substrate from bath deposition methods. The hierarchical ZnSe/CdSe/MoS₂ shell was covered uniformly on ZnO nanorod core which provided a direct pathway for electron transfer, large surface area to enhance light absorption and increase active sites. The quaternary photoelectrode exhibited a photocurrent density of 26.86 mA/cm² at 0 V vs. Ag/AgCl under UV–visible light illumination, which was 31.9 times, 16.7 times and 1.6 times of that of the bare ZnO nanorods, binary ZnO/ZnSe and ternary ZnO/ZnSe/CdSe photoelectrodes, respectively. 10 ppm of amoxicillin was completely degraded in 30 min by the quaternary working electrode with an applied bias of 0.5 V vs. Ag/AgCl. The reusability and stability of quaternary electrode was demonstrated by 3-run recycling experiments. The enhanced photoelectrochemical performance of quaternary photoelectrode can be attributed to the enhancement of light absorption and increased active sites from the coverage of visible-active layers, the accelerated charge separation from the formation of p-n junction and reduced photocorrosion of CdSe from the protection of MoS₂ on the surface.     

Z-scheme heterojunction ZnSnO3/rGO/MoS2 nanocomposite for excellent photocatalytic activity towards mixed dye degradation

In this work, a novel (ZnSnO₃/rGO/MoS₂) nanocomposite was prepared and its photocatalytic performances were investigated. The synthesised ZnSnO₃ spheres were well dispersed over the surface of rGO sheet and MoS₂ layers (ZSGM). The structural, morphological and elemental properties of the composites were examined by XRD, SEM, HRTEM and EDS. The surface chemical composition and functional groups of the elements interlinked in the composites were identified from XPS and FTIR analysis. BET and Raman analysis indicate the effective formation between MoS₂/rGO/ZnSnO₃ ternary heterostructure nanocomposite. The suppressed photogenic charge carrier's recombination rate was investigated by PL analysis. From UV analysis, the bandgap of ZSGM nanocomposite was successfully tuned from 3.13 eV to 2.70 eV, leading to high photocatalytic performance by mixed dye pollutant under UV-visible light illumination. The ZSGM photocatalyst achieved highest removal rate of 0.0131 min^?1 for Rh B degradation, and 0.0153 min^?1 for MB dye degradation and efficiency was 78% (Rh B) and 86% (MB), respectively in 100 min, which shows dramatically enhanced activity than other samples. In the presence of rGO/MoS₂ in ZS, ZSGM photocatalysts exhibit higher catalytic activity due to a lower bandgap, more absorption in the visible region, and suppressed recombination rate of photogenerated e^?/h⁺ pairs.     

Enhanced photocatalytic activities of three-dimensional graphene-based aerogel embedding TiO2 nanoparticles and loading MoS2 nanosheets as Co-catalyst

A novel graphene-based three-dimensional (3D) aerogel embedded with two types of functional nanomaterials had been prepared by a facile one-pot hydrothermal process. During the hydrothermal reaction, graphene, TiO₂ nanoparticles and MoS₂ nanosheets were self-assembled into the 3D interconnected networks aerogel, where the uniformly dispersed TiO₂ nanoparticles were densely anchored onto the graphene nanosheets and decorated with the ultrathin MoS₂ nanosheets. The UV–vis DRS and PL spectra measurement shows that the MoS₂/P25/graphene aerogel exhibits enhanced light absorption and efficient charge separation properties. As a new photocatalyst, the photocatalytic activity was evaluated by photoelectrochemical test and photodegradation methyl orange (MO) under UV irradiation, an improvement of photocurrent was observed, as 6 times higher for MoS₂/P25/graphene aerogel (37.45 mA/cm²) than pure P25 at +0.6 V, and the fastest photodegradation of MoS₂/P25/graphene aerogel was found within 15 min. The improved photocatalytic activity is attributed to the porous structure, good electrical conductivity and the maximization of accessible sites of the unique 3D graphene aerogel, the increasing active adsorption sites and photocatalytic reaction centers for the introduction of MoS₂ nanosheets, and the positive synergetic effect between the three components in this hybrid. This work demonstrates that the as-prepared MoS₂/P25/graphene aerogel may have a great potential application in photoelectrochemical hydrogen production and pollution removal.     

A ternary Ag/TiO2/CNT photoanode for efficient photoelectrochemical water splitting under visible light irradiation

A ternary Ag/TiO₂/CNT photoanode was prepared by grafting Ag nanoparticles on the surface of as-synthesized TiO₂/CNT nanocomposite for the photoelectrochemical (PEC) water splitting under visible light irradiance. The ternary composite photoanode was observed to generate four times higher photocurrent density compared to binary TiO₂/CNT nanocomposite under visible light irradiance. The Ag nanoparticles on the surface of nanocomposite act as a surface plasmon resonance (SPR) photosensitizer under visible light. The enhanced photocurrent density of Ag/TiO₂/CNT ternary photoanode is attributed to the increased light absorption in the visible region, decrease in band-bending and effective interfacial electron transfer due to the synergetic effect of Ag nanoparticles and CNTs. The enhanced charge transfer within the Ag/TiO₂/CNT was also confirmed by the electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. This work demonstrates a feasible route to improve the PEC performance of TiO₂ towards water splitting under sunlight irradiation.     

Multifunctional MoS2 ultrathin nanoflakes loaded by Cd0.5Zn0.5S QDs for enhanced photocatalytic H2 production

Two‐dimensional MoS₂ has been widely used as hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) cocatalyst to load onto nanostructured semiconductors for visible light‐response photocatalytic hydrogen production. However, its another important role as light harvester because of the band‐gap tunable property and beneficial band position has been rarely exploited. Herein, few layer‐thick MoS₂ nanoflakes with extended light absorption over the range of 400 to 680 nm and a photocatalytic HER rate of 0.98 mmol/h/g have been obtained. Then 7‐nm‐sized Cd_0.5Zn_0.5S quantum dots (QDs) are selectively grown upon ultrathin MoS₂ nanoflakes for enhanced photocatalytic H₂ generation. Upon the photocatalytic, light absorption, and charge transfer properties of the MoS₂‐Cd_0.5Zn_0.5S composites evolved with the amount of MoS₂ from 0 to 3 wt%, the multiple roles of MoS₂ as long‐wavelength light absorber, in‐plane carrier mediator, and edge site‐active HER catalyst have been revealed. An optimum H₂ generation rate of 8863 μmol/h/g and a solar to hydrogen (STH) efficiency of 2.15% have been achieved for 2 wt% MoS₂‐Cd_0.5Zn_0.5S flakes. Such a strategy can be applied to other cocatalysts with both the light response and HER activity for efficient photocatalytic property.     

Molybdenum nitride as a metallic photoelectrocatalyst for hydrogen evolution reaction via introduction of electron traps to improve the separation efficiency of photogenerated carriers

Metallic photoelectrocatalysts possess a wide light absorption range and the fast hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) kinetics, which can be used as the next generation of catalysts towards photoelectrocataytic HER. In this work, molybdenum nitride has been fabricated via an in-suit growth method on metal molybdenum substance (Mo₃N₂/Mo foil). The metallic and optical property of Mo₃N₂ was confirmed by the DFT calculations and experimental results from UV–visible absorption spectrum and valence X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy spectrum. Photocatalytic HER rate of Mo₃N₂ reached to 158.78 μmol h^?1 g^?1. Furthermore, Mo₃N₂–MoS₂/Mo foil was prepared to improve photoelectrocatalytic performance. Herein, a suitable energy band alignment for Mo₃N₂–MoS₂/Mo foil was proposed based on experiments and DFT calculations, and the formation of a heterojunction (Mo₃N₂–MoS₂) effectively suppressed the recombination of photo-generated carriers. The results of photoelectrocatalytic experiments suggested that the photocurrent density of Mo₃N₂–MoS₂/foil was effectively enhanced about 1.5 times than that of simplex Mo₃N₂/Mo foil. The electrochemical experiments (LSV and EIS) indicated that the metallic nature of Mo₃N₂ was also beneficial to electrocatalytic HER, and the overpotential of Mo₃N₂–MoS₂/Mo foil at 10 mA cm^?2 was ?173 mV. This work provides a potential candidate for photoelectrocatalytic electrodes.     

One-pot synthesized visible-light-responsive MoS2@CdS nanosheets-on- nanospheres for hydrogen evolution from the antibiotic wastewater: Waste to energy insight

MoS₂@CdS with a nanosheets-on-nanospheres morphology has been synthesized successfully via a one-pot hydrothermal method. The physical and chemical properties were characterized by XRD, SEM, HRTEM, HADDF, Element Mapping, XPS, Raman Spectra and UV–vis Spectrum. The results indicated the strong chemical interaction between CdS and mixed phase MoS₂ was favorable for the charge separation thus extremely improved the rate of H₂ generation. Photocatalytic hydrogen evolution experiments were performed in an amoxicillin antibiotic wastewater system. Mixed phase MoS₂ with a mole ratio of 5% to CdS achieved the highest efficiency of 87 μmol/h under visible light (λ > 420 nm), which can be attributed to the enhanced charge separation, as proved by the EIS and Photocurrent experiments. Meanwhile, the amoxicillin exhibited a degradation ratio of 16.4% in 6 h. The degradation products also have been analyzed by HPLC-MS method, which demonstrated that the amoxicillin molecules have been transformed into small molecules. In summary, this study provides a cost-effective and efficient way to convert antibiotic wastewater into hydrogen energy.     

Synthesis and characterization of composite visible light active photocatalysts MoS2–g-C3N4 with enhanced hydrogen evolution activity

Molybdenum disulfide (MoS₂) and graphitic carbon nitride (g-C₃N₄) composite photocatalysts were prepared via a facile impregnation method. The physical and photophysical properties of the MoS₂–g-C₃N₄ composite photocatalysts were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), high-resolution transmission electron microcopy (HRTEM), ultraviolet–visible diffuse reflection spectroscopy (DRS), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopy. The photoelectrochemical (PEC) measurements were tested via several on–off cycles under visible light irradiation. The photocatalytic hydrogen evolution experiments indicate that the MoS₂ co-catalysts can efficiently promote the separation of photogenerated charge carriers in g-C₃N₄, and consequently enhance the H₂ evolution activity. The 0.5wt% MoS₂–g-C₃N₄ sample shows the highest catalytic activity, and the corresponding H₂ evolution rate is 23.10 μmol h⁻¹, which is enhanced by 11.3 times compared to the unmodified g-C₃N₄. A possible photocatalytic mechanism of MoS₂ co-catalysts on the improvement of visible light photocatalytic performance of g-C₃N₄ is proposed and supported by PL and PEC results.     

Hybrid of AgInZnS and MoS2 as efficient visible-light driven photocatalyst for hydrogen production

We present a simple two-step hydrothermal method to prepare AgInZnS/MoS₂ nanocomposite. The morphology and compositional characteristics of the sample were investigated by field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The as-synthesized heterostructures exhibited superior photocatalytic activity for hydrogen evolution under visible-light irradiation and the optimum loading amount of MoS₂ is at 0.5 wt%. In an attempt to explain this phenomenon, a possible mechanism was also proposed. The enhanced photocatalytic activities toward water splitting arise from the boosted active sites for hydrogen generation and the enhanced charge transfer. This work may contribute to the design and construction of highly efficient visible-light responsive photocatalyst for sustainable energy harvesting and conversion.     

Thermally-exfoliated graphene Oxide/ZnO nanocomposite catalysts for photocatalytic hydrogen evolution and antibacterial activities

Carbon nanomaterials are of great interest due to their enhanced charge separation in hydrogen evolution reactions. Herein, heterostructured TEGO/ZnO nanocomposite catalyst was obtained by combining 3D multilayer graphene-like nanomaterial obtained by green process from recycled carbon source with ZnO to improve photocatalytic activity. Here, photodeposition of MoS_x and Pt in aqueous solution is performed on TEGO/ZnO nanocomposite to obtain TEGO/ZnO/MoS_x and TEGO/ZnO/Pt by reducing (NH₄)₂MoS₄ and H₂PtCl₆.6H₂O, respectively. Photodeposited MoS_x and Pt on TEGO/ZnO nanocomposite resulted in enhanced photocatalytic activity and stability due to increased active sites and enhanced electron transfer ability due to cocatalyst effect. In addition, antibacterial activity of TEGO/ZnO nanocomposite against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus was investigated by bacterial growth kinetic assay. This work could open up a new nanomaterial for chemical and biological applications.     

Ti3C2 MXene coupled with CdS nanoflowers as 2D/3D heterostructures for enhanced photocatalytic hydrogen production activity

As a novel co-catalyst, Ti₃C₂ MXene has an excellent prospect in the field of photocatalysis. Herein, the 2D/3D Ti₃C₂ MXene@CdS nanoflower (Ti₃C₂@CdS) composite was successfully synthesized by a hydrothermal method. The combination of 2D Ti₃C₂ MXene and 3D CdS nanoflowers can promote carrier transfer and separation, which can improve the performance of CdS. Compared to pure CdS nanoflowers, Ti₃C₂@CdS composite presents lower photoluminescence intensity, longer fluorescence lifetime, higher photocurrent density and smaller electrochemical impedance. The Ti₃C₂@CdS composite with 15 wt% Ti₃C₂ adding amount presents high photocatalytic hydrogen evolution activity (88.162 μmol g^?1 h^?1), 91.57 times of pure CdS. The improved photocatalytic activity of Ti₃C₂@CdS composite is ascribed to the addition of lamellar Ti₃C₂ MXene, which improves the electrical conductivity of the photocatalytic system and effectively accelerates the excited electrons transfer from CdS to Ti₃C₂ MXene.     

Enhanced photocatalytic activity in water splitting for hydrogen generation by using TiO2 coated carbon fiber with high reusability

In this study, TiO₂ coated carbon fiber (TiO₂@CF) was synthesized and used for the improvement of hydrogen (H₂) evolution. Obtained results from scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), gas adsorption analysis (BET), UV–vis diffuse (UV–vis), and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) confirmed that the surface area and light absorption of the material was significantly improved. The synthesized TiO₂@CF photocatalyst exhibited improved photocatalytic performance toward hydrogen generation. The enhancement of photocatalytic H₂ evolution capacity by TiO₂@CF was ascribed to its narrowed bandgap energy (2.76eV) and minimized recombination of photogenerated electron-hole pairs The hydrogen production rate by the TiO₂@CF reached 3.238 mmolg^?1h^?1, which was 4.8 times higher than unmodified TiO₂ (0.674 mmolg^?1h^?1). The synthesized TiO₂@CF was relatively stable with no distinct reduction in photocatalytic activity after five recycling runs. The photoluminescence and photocurrent were employed to support the photocatalytic H₂ production mechanism proposed mechanism.Based on these results, TiO₂@CF with unique properties, easy handle, and high reusability could be suggested as an efficient strategy to develop a high-performance photocatalyst for H₂ production.     

Highly efficient Bi2O3/MoS2 p-n heterojunction photocatalyst for H2 evolution from water splitting

The design of p-n heterojunction photocatalysts to overcome the drawbacks of low photocatalytic activity that results from the recombination of charge carriers and narrow photo-response range is promising technique for future energy. Here, we demonstrate the facile hydrothermal synthesis for the preparation of Bi₂O₃/MoS₂ p-n heterojunction photocatalysts with tunable loading amount of Bi₂O₃ (0–15 wt%). The structure, surface morphology, composition and optical properties of heterostructures were studied using X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), UV–visible absorption spectroscopy, Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) surface area, photoluminescence (PL), electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). Compare to pure Bi₂O₃ and MoS_2, the Bi₂O₃/MoS₂ heterostructures displayed significantly superior performance for photocatalytic hydrogen (H₂) production using visible photo-irradiation. The maximum performance for hydrogen evolution was achieved over Bi₂O₃/MoS₂ photocatalyst (10 μmol h⁻¹g⁻¹) with Bi₂O₃ content of 11 wt%, which was approximately ten times higher than pure Bi₂O₃ (1.1 μmol h⁻¹g⁻¹) and MoS₂ (1.2 μmol h⁻¹g⁻¹) photocatalyst. The superior performance was attributed to the robust light harvesting ability, enhanced charge carrier separation via gradual charge transferred pathway. Moreover, the increased efficiency of Bi₂O₃/MoS₂ heterostructure photocatalyst is discussed through proposed mechanism based on observed performance, band gap and band position calculations, PL and EIS data.     

Noble metal-free NiCo nanoparticles supported on montmorillonite/MoS2 heterostructure as an efficient UV–visible light-driven photocatalyst for hydrogen evolution

In this study, a noble-metal-free photocatalyst, based on NiCo nanoparticles supported on montmorillonite/MoS₂ heterostructure (MMT/MoS₂/NiCo), was successfully synthesized and applied for photocatalytic water reduction to produce H₂. Under UV–visible light irradiation, the composite showed improved photocatalytic performance for H₂ evolution compared to MMT/MoS₂, MMT/MoS₂/Ni, MMT/NiCo, and MoS₂/NiCo. The as-synthesized MMT/0.79MoS₂/Ni_8.14Co_6.4 (0.79, 8.14 and 6.4 denote the weight ratios % of MoS₂, Ni and Co in the catalyst) photocatalyst exhibited a high H₂ production rate of 8.7 mmol g^?1 h^?1, 26.5 and 2.3 times higher than for MMT/0.79MoS₂ and MMT/Ni_8.14Co_6.4, respectively. The enhanced photocatalytic performance was attributed to the loaded MoS₂ and NiCo nanoparticles, introducing active sites, increasing the light-absorbing capacity and accelerating the charge transfer from the Eosin Y dye owing to their appropriate Fermi level energy alignment. This work presents a cost-effective method combining the 2D sheets of MMT and MoS₂, and NiCo nanoparticles to form a quaternary photocatalytic system showing highly efficient hydrogen evolution from water without using noble metals.     

Synthesis and photocatalytic performance of MoS2/Polycrystalline black phosphorus heterojunction composite

As a promising catalyst for solar hydrogen production, black phosphorus (BP) has received widespread attention due to variable band gaps, high carrier mobility, and strong light absorption performance. Herein, we use MoS₂ as a cocatalyst to synthesize BP/MoS₂ catalyst with polycrystalline BP to improve photocatalytic performance under visible light irradiation. A small amount of MoS₂ can reduce the recombination of electron-hole pairs in the composite, increase carrier transport efficiency, and then improve photocatalytic performance. As expected, the 10/0.5 ratio of BP/MoS₂ catalyst exhibits the highest photocatalytic hydrogen evolution performance with a hydrogen evolution rate of 575.4 μmol h^?1 g^?1, which is 2.5 times of pure BP. Based on the results above, a simple method is provided to synthesize low-cost black phosphorus-based photocatalysts.     

Fabrication of CuO/MoO3 p-n heterojunction for enhanced dyes degradation and hydrogen production from water splitting

The development of excellent photocatalytic material is highly required for energy and environmental applications. In this study, visible light responsive p-n heterojunction photocatalysts based on CuO/MoO₃ with varying ratios of CuO were prepared by the facile hydrothermal method. The crystalline structure, surface morphology, chemical compositions and optical properties of the synthesized photocatalysts were studied using X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), photoluminescence (PL) techniques and UV–Vi's absorption spectroscopy. The results showed that the 5%CuO/MoO₃ nanocomposite displayed enhanced photocatalytic performance for the production of hydrogen (98.5 μmol h^?1g^?1) and degradation of dyes rhodamine B (RhB) and alizarine yellow (AY) than all other samples. Furthermore, 5% CuO/MoO₃ composite exhibited excellent stability after five consecutive cycles for both RhB and AY dyes. Overall, the improved photocatalytic performance of 5%CuO/MoO₃ composite was due to increased adsorption of visible light, good surface morphology, enhanced charge separation/transfer which inhibited recombination of electrons and holes. This study could encourage the synthesis of novel and effective p-n heterojunction photocatalysts for practical applications.     

Reduced graphene oxide as an efficient support for CdS-MoS2 heterostructures for enhanced photocatalytic H2 evolution

Cadmium sulphide nanorods-reduced graphene oxide-molybdenum sulphide(CdS-rGO-MoS₂) composites were successfully synthesized using hydrothermal process for enhancing the interfacial contact between CdS nanorods and MoS₂ layer. The good contact between CdS and MoS₂ is important for improving the photocatalytic hydrogen (H₂) evolution. The morphological and structural studies showed the production of highly pure CdS phase with nanorod-like structure dispersed on rGO-MoS₂ layer. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and Raman results confirmed the reduction of graphene oxide (GO) into reduced graphene oxide (rGO). The higher photocurrent density of CdS-rGO-MoS₂ composites compared to CdS/MoS₂ and the fluorescence quenching observed for this composite provided some evidence for an inhibition of electron-hole recombination, which leads to a longer life time of the photogenerated carriers. Fast electron transfer can occur from CdS nanorods by the bidimensionnel rGO area to MoS₂ layer due to the intimate interfacial contact. Composite CdS-rGO-MoS₂ with 20 wt% rGO was found to be the most effective photocatalyst for H₂ evolution (7.1 mmol h^?1g^?1). The good photocatalytic performance arose from the positive synergistic effect between CdS, rGO and MoS₂ elements.     

Facile construction of porous C-PDA@CN-ms core-shell heterostructures with superior photocatalytic H2 evolution

Building carbon nitride (CN)-based core shell heterostructures is an effective strategy to enhance the photocatalytic performance and stability by optimize the interface area and protect the CN core, respectively. Moreover, by fabricating the porous structures in core shells can further optimize the light absorption, charge separation, and mass transfer. Herein, we have constructed porous C-PDA–CN–ms core-shell heterostructures through a facile green molten salt (ms) sculpture the polydopamine (PDA) derived carbon (C-PDA) shells with CN core. In which, the C-PDA-CN core-shells arise from in situ polymerization of dopamine (DA) on the surface of melamine to form PDA@melamine coatings followed by thermal polycondensation. The molten salts at high-temperature act as a green fluid immersing in and out of C-PDA-CN core-shells to further produce porous structures. The 1 wt% C-PDA–CN–ms with porous core-shell structures display photocatalytic H₂ evolution rate of 3830 μmol h⁻¹ g⁻¹, which is 20.8 times enhancement of 1 wt% C-PDA-CN core-shells, even 73.6 times higher than that of pristine CN. It reveals that the porous and core-shell heterostructures endow C-PDA–CN–ms enhanced light absorption, various charge transport channels for improved charge carrier separation and transfer, contributing to the superior photocatalytic H₂ evolution performance. Our work opens a new window for the green construction of porous core-shell heterostructures of CN-based photocatalysts.     

Composite of g-C3N4 and poly(3-hexylthiophene) prepared by polymerizing thiophene-3-acetic acid treated g-C3N4 and 3-hexylthiophene for enhanced photocatalytic hydrogen production

Composite of g-C₃N₄ and poly(3-hexylthiophene) (P3HT) with enhanced photocatalytic H₂ production activity was prepared by polymerizing 3-hexylthiophene and g-C₃N₄, which was treated with thiophene-3-acetic acid (T3A). The morphology, chemical structure, and light absorption properties of samples were characterized by SEM, TEM, BET, XRD, FT-IR, XPS, UV–visible diffuse reflectance spectra (UV–vis). The migration and separation efficiency of charge carriers were characterized by photoluminescence (PL) emission spectra, Time resolved photoluminescence spectra, transient photocurrent responses, and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). The photocatalytic activity of the catalysts were tested as the H₂ evolution rate from water under visible light irradiation in the presence of triethanolamine as sacrifice agent. The results indicated that g-C₃N₄-P3HT composite shows significant enhanced migration and separation efficiency of charge carriers, and photocatalytic H₂ production activity from water. The intrinsic nature causing the significance enhanced photocatalytic performance was discussed. Our findings here may provide a new strategy to design composite photocatalyst with high photocatalytic activity.