One-Step Synthesis of MoS2/TiSi2 via an In Situ Photo-Assisted Reduction Method for Enhanced Photocatalytic H2 Evolution under Simulated Sunlight Illumination

Abstract

A new MoS2/TiSi2 complex catalyst was designed and synthesized by a simple one-step in situ photo-assisted reduction procedure. The structural and morphological properties of the composites were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and ultraviolet-visible diffused reflectance spectroscopy (UV-vis DRS), which proved the formation of MoS2/TiSi2. MoS2/TiSi2 with optimized composition showed obviously enhanced photocatalytic activity and superior durability for water reduction to produce H2. The H2 generation rate over the MoS2/TiSi2 photocatalyst containing 3 wt % MoS2 reached 214.1 μmol·h−1·g−1 under visible light irradiation, which was ca. 5.6 times that of the pristine TiSi2. The improved photocatalytic activity of MoS2/TiSi2 could be related to the broad response spectrum, large visible light absorption, and synergies among MoS2 and TiSi2 that enhance photoexcited charge transfer and separation.