Boosting the Photocatalytic Hydrogen Evolution of Mn 0.5 Cd 0.5 S via 2D MoB MBene Integration

MoB MBene, a two-dimensional material structurally and functionally analogous to Mo2C MXene but synthesized without scarce gallium, offers a cost-effective alternative as a cocatalyst for photocatalytic hydrogen production. Here, MoB MBene was prepared via selective etching of MoAlB and integrated with Mn0.5Cd0.5S (MCS) through electrostatic self-assembly, achieving intimate interfacial contact. The optimized composite exhibits a remarkable hydrogen evolution rate of 17,820 μmol g–1 h–1 under visible light, representing a nearly 2-fold enhancement over pristine MCS. Comprehensive photoelectrochemical and spectroscopic analyses reveal that MoB MBene significantly facilitates charge carrier separation and migration while modestly modulating the band structure. This work pioneers the integration of MoB MBene with Mn0.5Cd0.5S as a cocatalyst, demonstrating MBenes as viable noble-metal substitutes and providing critical insights for designing high-performance sulfide-based photocatalysts for solar hydrogen conversion.