Interfacial coupling effect of Ag2O nanorods over MoS2 microflowers for improved photocatalytic activity

A simple hydrothermal method was used to prepare highly efficient Ag2O nanorods modified MoS2 microflowers (Ag2O/MoS2) based heterostructures. The properties of as-synthesized samples were studied using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and UV-visible spectroscopy. The effect of Ag2O loading (0, 1, 3, 5 and 7 mol.%) on the photocatalytic performance of MoS2 for hydrogen (H-2) production under visible light illumination (lambda >= 420 nm) was examined. It was seen that with increasing ratio of Ag2O up to 5%, the photocatalytic efficiency of Ag2O/MoS2 composite was increased. However, further increase in Ag2O ration (7%) has decreased the photocatalytic performance. Moreover, 5%Ag2O/MoS2 composite exhibited ten times greater photocatalytic performance as compare to pure MoS2. This improvement in photocatalytic efficiency Ag2O/MoS2 is majorly ascribed to excellent morphology, improved visible light absorption and enhanced charge carrier's separation and transfer efficiency provided by synergistic effects of Ag2O and MoS2. Therefore, the addition of Ag2O/MoS2 composite might be good for the design of a new photocatalyst.