Improved photocatalytic degradation of organic dye using Ag 3 PO 4 /MoS 2 nanocomposite

Highly efficient Ag3PO4/MoS2 nanocomposite photocatalyst was synthesized using a wet chemical route with a low weight percentage of highly exfoliated MoS2 (0.1 wt.%) and monodispersed Ag3PO4 nanoparticles (~5.4 nm). The structural and optical properties of the nanocomposite were studied using various characterization techniques, such as XRD, TEM, Raman and absorption spectroscopy. The composite exhibits markedly enhanced photocatalytic activity with a low lamp power (60 W). Using this composite, a high kinetic rate constant (k) value of 0.244 min-1 was found. It was observed that ~97.6% of dye degrade over the surface of nanocomposite catalyst within 15 min of illumination. The improved photocatalytic activity of Ag3PO4/MoS2 nanocomposite is attributed to the efficient interfacial charge separation, which was supported by the PL results. Large surface area of MoS2 nanosheets incorporated with well dispersed Ag3PO4 nanoparticles further increases charge separation, contributing to enhanced degradation efficiency. A possible mechanism for charge separation is also discussed.