Facile synthesis of few-layer MoS2 in MgAl-LDH layers for enhanced visible-light photocatalytic activity

Abstract

A new photocatalyst, few-layer MoS₂ grown in MgAl-LDH interlayers (MoS₂/MgAl-LDH), was prepared by a facile two-step hydrothermal synthesis. The structural and photocatalytic properties of the obtained material were characterized by several techniques including powder X-ray diffraction (XRD), Raman spectroscopy, field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), photoluminescence spectroscopy (PL) and UV-vis absorption spectroscopy. The MoS₂/MgAl-LDH composite showed excellent photocatalytic performance for methyl orange (MO) degradation at low concentrations (50 mg L⁻¹ and 100 mg L⁻¹). Furthermore, even for a MO solution concentration as high as 200 mg L⁻¹, this composite also presented high degradation efficiency (>84%) and mineralization efficiency (>73%) at 120 min. The results show that the MoS₂/MgAl-LDH composite has great potential for application in wastewater treatment.