Functionalized MoS2 supported core-shell Ag@Au nanoclusters for managing electronic processes in photocatalysis. (June 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Koklioti, Malamatenia A.; Saucedo-Orozco, Izcoatl; Quintana, Mildred; Tagmatarchis, Nikos
• Is Part Of: Materials research bulletin. Volume 114(2019)
• Page Start: 112
• Page End: 120
• Publication Date: 2019-06
• Subjects: Core-Shell nanoclusters -- Transition metal dichalcogenides -- Functionalization -- Donor-acceptor -- Photocatalysis; Materials -- Periodicals; Crystal growth -- Periodicals; Matériaux -- Périodiques; Cristaux -- Croissance -- Périodiques; Crystal growth; Materials; Periodicals; 620.11
• DOI: 10.1016/j.materresbull.2019.02.021
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0025-5408

Abstract

Graphical abstract: Highlights: Ag@Au metal nanoclusters were electrostatically associated with functionalized MoS2 . The ensemble was characterized by spectroscopy and electron microscopy imaging. Photoinduced charge-transfer phenomena took place within Ag@AuNCs/ f -MoS2 . The Ag@AuNCs/ f -MoS2 was employed as catalyst for photodegradation of Rhodamine B. Abstract: Metal nanoclusters (MNCs ) based on gold as core and silver as shell, abbreviated as Ag@AuNCs, were electrostatically associated with functionalized semiconducting MoS2 nanosheets, abbreviated as f -MoS2 . The realization of the Ag@AuNCs / f -MoS2 ensemble was manifested by UV–vis and photoluminescence titration assays, while its morphology was evidenced by high-angle annular dark-field STEM imaging coupled with EDX analyses. Photoinduced intra-ensemble charge-transfer phenomena were witnessed and attributed to the suppression and concomitant shift of Ag@AuNC photoluminescence by incremental additions of f -MoS2 . The Ag@AuNCs / f -MoS2 was employed as RhB photodegradation catalyst for wastewater purification from organic pollutant dyes. The production of highly oxidant radicals from the photogenerated electron-hole pairs within Ag@AuNCs / f -MoS2 were found to be the main reactive species, while the holes left on Ag@AuNCs attacked RhB, as evidenced by the disappearance of the characteristic absorption peak. The photocatalytic reaction by the ensemble followed fast kinetics as compared with bare Ag@AuNCs or individual AuNCs and AgNCs .