Photocatalytic properties of MoS2/ZnO heterojunction nanomaterials for degradation of methylene blue

Abstract

In order to improve the ZnO light conversion efficiency, the heterojunction of MoS2 with low band gap was selected to improve the photocatalytic performance. ZnO nanorods were prepared by hydrothermal method, and MoS2/ZnO heterostructure nanocomposites were further prepared. The morphology, structure, and optical properties of the samples are characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray powder diffracmeter (XRD), UV-Visible solid diffuse reflection tester (UV-Vis), and ultraviolet-visible spectrophotometer (UV-245). The results show that the MoS2/ZnO heterostructure nanocomposite exhibited a rod-like structure, and the presence of a built-in electric field can effectively enhance the separation efficiency of photogenerated charge carriers, increase absorption in the visible light region, and thus improve the photocatalytic performance. Under simulated sunlight (including UV band), the degradation rate of methylene blue by MoS2-15/ZnO nanocomposites reached 99%, which is 10% higher than that of pure ZnO after 60 min.