Fabrication of a Two-Dimensional Heterostructured MoS2-RGO Nanocomposite for Enhanced Photocatalytic Hydrogen Evolution

Abstract

The photocatalytic hydrogen evolution based on photocatalytic water splitting is a promising pathway for sustainable hydrogen production. The development of highly active, structurally stable materials with shorter-duration synthesis techniques is the key issue. In this work, nanostructured MoS₂-RGO heterostructures were synthesized through a one-step rapid supercritical water process. The synthesized MoS₂-RGO (5%) sample exhibits 25 mmol g^–1 h^–1 H₂ generation, which can be considered as the highest photocatalytic activity. The addition of the RGO renders the formation of a two-dimensional heterostructure which reduces the charge recombination, as well as enhanced conductivity of the samples, that results in efficient hydrogen production with good repeatability up to 5 cycles. The main reason could be the high structural stability and fast transport of charge carriers to split water molecules into H₂. This rapid ultrafast synthesis by using supercritical water is suitable for the mass production of molybdenum dichalcogenide-based photocatalysts for hydrogen generation.