Enhanced photo-induced carrier separation of CdS/MoS2 via micro-potential of Mo microsheet derived from electromagnetic induction

Building a persistently active potential in photocatalyst is always important but difficult for the high-performance photocatalysis. Based on the idea that electromagnetic induction effect can derive an in-situ micro-potential on a micro-conductor, a nanostructured hybrid CdS/MoS2/Mo photocatalyst is designed and synthesized by a one-step hydrothermal process. By replacing the commercial magnetic stirrer with the magnetic field strengthened one, the H2 evolution efficiency of the CdS/MoS2/Mo hybrid microstructures is improved by 89% illuminated at 100 mW·cm−2 Xe lamp illumination. The in situ micro-potential in the metallic Mo sheet which is derived from the electromagnetic induction during the relative motion in the magnetic field should play the key role in the enhancement of the photocatalysis. This type of hybrid nanostructure can combine with the photocatalyst, the co-catalyst, and the carrier separation effect of the micro-potential, which can extend the application of the external field in the enhancement of photocatalytic performance, especially for magnetic field application with low extra energy consumption.