Dual-defective strategy directing in situ assembly for effective interfacial contacts in MoS2 cocatalyst/In2S3 light harvester layered photocatalysts

Abstract

Defective MoS₂ nanosheets have been demonstrated to be a superior catalyst for hydrogen evolution; however, mediocre interfacial contact between the MoS₂ cocatalyst and the light harvester still impedes the pursuit of composite photocatalyst systems with highly efficient performance. Herein, we propose a dual-defective assembly methodology following the chemical similarity principle to construct effectively-binding MoS₂/In₂S₃ photocatalysts, in which luxuriant defects on layered In₂S₃ nanosheets serve as in situ growth sites for defective MoS₂ layers with abundant exposed edges. The resulting dual-defective system is endowed with improved separation of electron–hole pairs, beneficial interfacial migration and utilization of electrons, and decreased photocorrosion from holes. By this method, the system achieves dramatically enhanced hydrogen evolution activity as well as considerable stability. The imperfections in both MoS₂ and In₂S₃ are indispensable for desirable performance. The present strategy can not only direct the manufacture of defective MoS₂-incorporated photocatalysts but may also contribute to the design of other highly active cocatalyst/light harvester systems with effective interfacial contacts.