Near-infrared-driven Cr(vi) reduction in aqueous solution based on a MoS2/Sb2S3 photocatalyst

Abstract

Exploiting photocatalysts with a full spectrum response undoubtedly holds great potential. Here, a novel MoS₂/Sb₂S₃ composite with a wide-range photoresponse was fabricated through a facile hydrothermal method. The as-obtained photocatalyst was characterized via a variety of techniques used for analyzing morphology, structure, and physical–chemical and photoelectrochemical properties. It was indicated that the MoS₂/Sb₂S₃ hybrid possessed fast electron transport and improved light absorption. Additionally, the composite presents remarkable photoelectric conversion efficiency and optimal MoS₂/Sb₂S₃ could remove Cr(VI) with efficiencies of 84%, 99% and 72% when exposed to ultraviolet, visible and near-infrared (NIR) light, which are 16, 50 and 25 times greater than those of Sb₂S₃, respectively. The enhanced NIR photocatalytic efficiency may be explained by the enhanced NIR light absorption, favorable charge separation and, in particular, the sulfur vacancies in MoS₂.