Efficient photocatalytic hydrogen evolution over MoS2/activated carbon composite sensitized by Erythrosin B under LED light irradiation

• Published in: Catalysis communications 2020-07, Vol.142, p.106029, Article 106029
• Main Authors: Yin, Mingcai, Sun, Jiangfan, Li, Yixian, Ye, Yimin, Liang, Kaiyue, Fan, Yaoting, Li, Zhongjun
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Activated carbon; Molybdenum disulfide; Photocatalytic hydrogen evolution; Photosensitization
• ISSN: 1566-7367; 1873-3905
• DOI: 10.1016/j.catcom.2020.106029

MoS2 is a promising catalyst for hydrogen evolution reaction, whereas the inherent defects of limited active sites for H2 evolution and poor conductivity impede its practical application. Herein, low-cost and available activated carbon (denoted as C) was introduced and MoS2/C composite was prepared via a facile one-pot liquid-phased reaction. The MoS2/C exhibits an excellent photocatalytic hydrogen evolution activity (872.3 μmol/h) sensitized by Erythrosin B under LED light irradiation, which is about 1.8 times that of pure MoS2. Moreover, hydrogen evolution mechanism and reasons for the enhanced performance of MoS2/C were proposed based on the results of photoluminescence spectra and photoelectrochemical tests. [Display omitted] •Low-cost activated carbon (C) was introduced into MoS2/C composite.•The MoS2/C composite was prepared via a facile one-pot liquid phase reaction.•The in-situ introduction of C results in thinner and smaller MoS2 nanosheets.•The MoS2/C exhibits better H2 evolution performance than pure MoS2 under LED light.