Lamellar Flower-Like Porous MoS2 as an Efficient Cocatalyst to Boost Photocatalytic Hydrogen Evolution of CdS

Photocatalysts with novel structure and superior hydrogen (H2) evolution activity are attractive to solve energy shortage and other environmental problems. As one of two-dimensional transition metal disulfides (2D TMDs), MoS2 cocatalyst with a unique lamellar flower-like porous structure was fabricated herein to boost the photocatalytic H2 evolution of CdS. The porous MoS2/CdS photocatalyst reached a H2 evolution activity of 54.1 mmol h−1 g−1, which is 36 times better than in case of pure CdS. Characterizations demonstrated that the promoted activity of the porous MoS2/CdS composite was strongly related to the distinctive cocatalyst structure. The coexistence of spherical porous and lamellar structures, as well as a heterojunction structure between MoS2 and CdS played crucial roles. A slow photo effect helped to enhance the visible-light utilization. The heterojunction structure of CdS particles with lamellar MoS2 accelerated the transfer of photo-induced electrons. This unique porous 2D TMD structure as a cocatalyst is expected to enhance activities for H2 evolution of other photocatalysts as well.