Few-layer WS2–MoS2 in-plane heterostructures for efficient photocatalytic hydrogen evolution. (March 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Lai, Guan-Jie; Lyu, Lian-Ming; Huang, Yu-Sheng; Lee, Guan-Chi; Lu, Ming-Pei; Perng, Tsong-Pyng; Lu, Ming-Yen; Chen, Lih-Juann
• Is Part Of: Nano energy. Volume 81(2021)
• Publication Date: 2021-03
• Subjects: Photocatalytic property -- Hydrogen evolution -- Heterostructures -- Two-dimensional materials; Nanoscience -- Periodicals; Nanotechnology -- Periodicals; Nanostructured materials -- Periodicals; Power resources -- Technological innovations -- Periodicals; Nanoscience; Nanostructured materials; Nanotechnology; Power resources -- Technological innovations; Periodicals; 621.042
• DOI: 10.1016/j.nanoen.2020.105608
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2211-2855

Abstract

Abstract: Although efficient H2 evolution through water splitting under irradiation with light would solve severe global environmental and energy issues, finding efficient and eco-friendly photocatalysts from earth-abundant elements remains challenging. In this paper, we report WS2 –MoS2 in-plane few-layer heterostructures that function as efficient photocatalysts. Because of the built-in potential at the epitaxially–grown WS2 –MoS2 interface, the electron-hole carriers underwent rapid separation upon irradiation with light, such that the H2 generation yield rate reached as high as 9.83 mmol g –1 h –1 . This improved photocatalytic H2 evolution from purely two-dimensional in-plane heterostructures has the potential to deliver outstanding catalysts for solar energy conversion as well as the production of chemical fuels. Graphical Abstract: ga1 Highlights: Few-layer WS2 –MoS2 in-plane heterostructures were synthesized using a hydrothermal method from WS2 bulk materials. WS2 –MoS2 in-plane heterostructures exhibit the atomically sharp interface. The photocatalytic H2 evolution over the few-layer heterostructure was more than 6.5 times greater than that over the pure WS2 .