Noble-metal-free MoSe<inf>2</inf>/CdS/g-C<inf>3</inf>N<inf>4</inf> nanocomposites for highly efficient visible-light-driven water splitting for hydrogen production

Abstract

The hybridized MoSe2/CdS/g-C3N4 (MS/CdS/CN) nanocomposites were synthesized for H2 production through water splitting under visible light irradiation. Various characterization techniques were utilized to confirm the formation of the hybridized ternary nanocomposites. The MS/CdS/CN composite showed superior activity for H2 evolution compared to single or binary photocatalysts (CdS, g-C3N4, CdS/g-C3N4). The improved performance was primarily due to the formed CdS/CN heterojunction, which can suppress the charge carrier recombination. Additionally, the added MoSe2 (MS) acted as an electron sink and adsorption site for the photocatalytic reactants, as well as enhancing light absorption into the visible region. Additionally, selecting an appropriate hole scavenger, its concentration, and the optimal loading of the photocatalyst further promoted the H2 production using the MS/CdS/CN nanocomposite. The synthesis of these hybridized nanocomposites offers valuable insights into the rational design of ternary nanostructures by integrating low-cost transition metal dichalcogenides (e.g. MoSe2) as effective co-catalysts for photocatalytic H2 production via water splitting under visible light.