Promoted charge separation on 3D interconnected Ti3C2/MoS2/CdS composite for enhanced photocatalytic H2 production

The construction of heterojunction has been regarded as an effective way to promote photocatalytic H 2 evolution activity, in which an intimately interfacial contact between the materials forming heterojunction is a positive effect on enhancing activity. Herein, a ternary 3D interconnected nanocomposite Ti 3 C 2 /MoS 2 /CdS was synthesized by a hydrothermal method. MoS 2 nanosheet with a vertically aligned structure grew on the surface of multi-layered Ti 3 C 2 to form 3D Ti 3 C 2 /MoS 2 with tightly interfacial contact, which works as a cocatalyst for enhancing photocatalytic H 2 evolution. CdS as a photocatalyst covered the surface of Ti 3 C 2 /MoS 2 to absorb light energy. Benefitting to the synergistic effect between Ti 3 C 2 and MoS 2 , the Ti 3 C 2 /MoS 2 further accelerates electron transfer and inhibits the recombination of carriers. The H 2 evolution rate of Ti 3 C 2 /MoS 2 /CdS reaches 15.2 mmol h −1 g −1 and the apparent quantum yield is 42.1% at λ = 420 nm. The result provides a useful insight for developing cocatalysts with new nanostructures via controlled interfacial engineering. • A ternary 3D interconnected nanocomposite Ti 3 C 2 /MoS 2 /CdS was in-situ synthesized. • Ti 3 C 2 /MoS 2 with tightly interfacial contact exhibits high cocatalytic activity. • The synergistic effect between Ti 3 C 2 and MoS 2 accelerates electron transfer. • The AQY of Ti 3 C 2 /MoS 2 /CdS reaches 42.1% at λ = 420 nm.