Enhancement of sunlight-induced photocatalytic activity of ZnO nanorods by few-layer MoS2 nanosheets

Abstract Few-layer exfoliated MoS 2 nanosheets were easily composited with ZnO nanorods. It was found that MoS 2 nanosheets could enhance the sunlight-induced photocatalytic activity rate of ZnO by 74%. In addition, we showed that under UV-blocked sunlight irradiation, MoS 2 weakens the photocatalytic activity rate of ZnO by 33%. Finally, we discussed the mechanisms behind the enhanced (weakened) photocatalytic activity under sunlight (UV-blocked sunlight) irradiation based on the UV-Vis absorption and photoluminescence spectra as well as the potential band diagrams of the ZnO/MoS 2 composite.