Synthesis and Characterization of MoS_2/TiO_2 Nanocomposites for Enhanced Photocatalytic Degradation of Methylene Blue under Sunlight Irradiation

摘要

2D nanosheets/ nanoparticles based MoS_2/TiO_2 nanocomposites were prepared in different weight compositions which were further employed to investigate photocatalytic degradation of methylene blue. Anatase TiO_2 powder was prepared via sol-gel reflux method using titanium tetraisopropoxide as Ti precursor. MoS_2/TiO_2 nanocomposites were prepared by in situ addition of exfoliated MoS_2 (2D-nanosheets) in different weight ratios of 0.1%, 0.5%, 1%, 2% and 5% in HO_2 sol. Surface morphology, phase analysis, optical properties were studied using SEM, XRD, UV-Vis spectroscopy respectively. SEM results showed that TiO_2 nanoparticles were completely adsorbed over the surface of MoS_2 sheets as reflux synthesis was employed. Efficient charge carrier separation was achieved which reduced recombination, and hence, enhanced photo-degradation of methylene blue was observed. The hetero-structures showed less operation time in sunlight for photodegradation of methylene blue and a highest rate constant was observed by 2 wt.% loading of MoS_2 on TiO_2. These composites can also be used commercially as they show promising results.