P-Doped CdS integrated with multiphasic MoSe2 nanosheets accomplish prominent photocatalytic activity for hydrogen evolution

Rational modulation of low-cost and versatile Cd-based photocatalysts coupled with transition metal diselenides is favorable for reinforcing the performance of hydrogen evolution. Herein, P-doped CdS nanorods (denoted as PCS) integrated with multiphasic MoSe2 nanosheets (1T/2H MoSe2, marked as MS-T) were fabricated by a convenient ultrasonic approach. The introduction of phosphorous into CdS is capable of promoting the effectiveness of charge separation and impeding the recombination of photo-engendered carriers, efficiently extending the lifetime. After incorporating 1T/2H MoSe2 nanosheets with expanded interlamellar spacing and a more negative potential of the conduction band, the evolved hydrogen rate of 1T/2H MoSe2/P-CdS (abbreviated as MS-T/PCS) composites is approximately 166.85 mmol g−1 h−1 with a high apparent quantum efficiency of 47.92% at 8 wt% under visible light illumination, which is 38.62 times that of the original PCS and superior to that of noble metal-modified traditional catalysts. To the best of our understanding, this notable activity surpasses that of most Cd-based catalysts currently reported. This work shows that the potential strategy of integrating phosphorus and loading multiphasic MoSe2 nanosheets provides indisputable enhancements for hydrogen evolution and an imaginative route for the rational construction of prospective photocatalysts.