Vertically aligned MoS2/MoOx heterojunction nanosheets for enhanced visible-light photocatalytic activity and photostability

Abstract

Vertically aligned nanosheet heterostructures with partly reduced MoO₃ cores and adjustable MoS₂ shells were fabricated via two-step chemical vapor deposition (CVD). The as-synthesized MoS₂/MoO_x heterostructures exhibit enhanced visible-light photocatalytic activity and good compatibility in a wide range of PH values (e.g. 2–12) for the degradation of organic dyes, both of which are of significance for practical applications. The vertically grown nanosheets form a three-dimensional (3D) mesh structure, creating a large specific surface area for the optical absorption and the catalytic redox reaction. In particular, the sulfidation-produced MoS₂ coating layer provides an effective protective against photocorrosion in a wide PH window, and meanwhile modulates the energy band structure to promote the absorption of visible-light photons and the separation of photo-generated electron–hole pairs.