Hybridization of preheated cellulose microcrystals with MoS2 sheets for enhanced piezo-catalytic hydrogen evolution

Abstract

A heterostructured piezocatalyst was synthesized via a hydrothermal method by growing MoS₂ nanosheets on cellulose microcrystals preheated at 350 °C. The composite achieved a H₂ evolution rate of 2955.4 µmol g⁻¹ h⁻¹ with Pt as a cocatalyst, 1.5 times higher than MoS₂ and 3 times higher than preheated cellulose. The superior activity arises from the enhanced piezoelectric response, more efficient interfacial charge separation, and improved intrinsic H₂ evolution activity.