alpha-S nanoparticles grown on MoS2 nanosheets: A novel sulfur-based photocatalyst with enhanced photocatalytic performance

A novel alpha-S/MoS2 composite with well dispersed alpha-S nanoparticles on MoS2 nanosheets was prepared by a simple aqueous chemical method. The combination of MoS2 with alpha-S not only extended light adsorption spectrum but also enhanced the separation efficiency of photoinduced charge carriers. In the alpha-S/MoS2 composite, MoS2 nanosheets served as a photocenter for absorbing solar light to generate more charge carriers, and worked as an excellent electron transporter to separate charge carriers. As a result, alpha-S/MoS2 composite exhibited much higher photocatalytic activity for degradation of methylene blue under both UV and visible light irradiation, compared with pure alpha-S. Our results might open up a promising way to develop novel and highly efficient alpha-S-based photocatalyst. (C) 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.