Biomimetic structure design and construction of cactus-like MoS2/Bi19Cl3S27 photocatalysts for efficient hydrogen evolution

Abstract

Cacti grown in arid areas have developed intrinsic water management systems, inspired by the cactus which has survived cruel natural selection, uncommon cactus-like MoS₂/Bi₁₉Cl₃S₂₇ heterostructures have been successfully constructed in this work. Resembling the trichome and epidermis of a cactus stem, vertically aligned MoS₂ along with a carbon species hydrolyzed from glucose on Bi₁₉Cl₃S₂₇ comprised the unique biomimetic structure. During the photocatalytic process of MoS₂/Bi₁₉C_l3S₂₇ heterostructures, the characteristic biomimetic structure endows the heterostructures with greatly enhanced light adsorption and charge separation capabilities, the whole hydrogen evolution reaction was boosted by the combination of optimized charge and mass transfer paths, like the plant morphogenesis of a cactus which plays a significant role in mucilage-based energy-transmission. As a consequence, the improved photocatalytic H₂ evolution rate reaches up to 876.6 μmol g⁻¹ h⁻¹ with an optimal loading of 5 wt% MoS₂. The successful preparation of biomimetic structured MoS₂/Bi₁₉C_l3S₂₇ samples with good stability shows that bismuth-based materials have great potential for applications in energy conversion systems, while providing enlightenment for the design of other biomimetic structured nanomaterials.