Recent progress in photocatalytic applications of metals- and non-metals-doped MoS2

Molybdenum disulfide (MoS₂), a two-dimensional (2D) transition metal dichalcogenide, has materialized as a promising material for photocatalysis due to its distinct electronic, optical, and chemical properties. However, its intrinsic limitations, such as a narrow absorption spectrum and limited charge separation efficiency, hinder its practical utility. Recent advancements in doping MoS₂ with metal and non-metal elements have shown significant potential in overcoming these challenges. This review presents a detailed analysis of the strategies and mechanisms underlying metal and non-metal doping of MoS₂, focusing on their impact on electronic structure, optical properties, and photocatalytic performance. In short, doping with metals and non-metals induces various modifications, such as the formation of more active sites and enhanced electronic properties. Additionally, the use of noble metals as doping agents facilitates the formation of localized surface plasmon resonance, effectively mitigating charge recombination and prolonging the lifetime of the charge-separated state, thereby enhancing photocatalytic efficiency. Non-metal dopants, on the other hand, contribute to bandgap narrowing, improve light absorption, and introduce defect states that further enhance photocatalytic activity.