MoS2 nanoflowers functionalized with C3N4 nanosheets for enhanced photodecomposition

Heterojunctions fabrication using two-dimensional (2D) materials exhibit improved photocatalytic performance for application in water purification, energy production, and environmental remediation owing to their enhanced optical absorption ability and effective charge separation process. Herein, we report the controlled fabrication of C3N4-functionalized MoS2 nanoflowers using a hydrothermal method and their application for the removal of organic pollutants from water. The heterojunction formation between MoS2 and C3N4 nanosheets was confirmed via transmission electron microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and chemical mapping. A systematic reduction in photoluminescence intensity was observed, indicating an improvement in the charge separation at the heterojunction between C3N4 and MoS2 nanoflowers. The as-prepared 2D C3N4–MoS2 nanohybrids exhibited significant photocatalytic performance for methylene blue (MB) and H2 generation. Furthermore, the MoS2 loading over C3N4 nanosheets was varied to increase the density of the heterojunction. The 2D C3N4–MoS2 nanohybrids with the highest heterojunction density exhibited enhanced photodecomposition performance owing to effective charge separation. A minor amount (0.08 mg/mL) of 2D C3N4–MoS2 nanohybrids could decompose 20 μM of an MB solution in 30 min, which has not been realized thus far. The effective charge transfer mechanism of C3N4–MoS2 nanohybrids has been explained based on their highly enhanced photocatalytic performance.