Sea urchin-like plasma Ag/CAU-17@MoS2 core–shell S-scheme heterojunctions with broad spectrum response and enhanced photothermal–photocatalysis

Abstract

A three-dimensional sea urchin core–shell (Ag/CAU-17@MoS₂) S-scheme heterojunction was prepared via a two-step hydrothermal and photodeposition route. CAU-17 features a unique three-dimensional open frame structure. With the addition of MoS₂, the band gap of CAU-17 is narrowed, giving adequate surface active sites. The photocatalytic hydrogen production of Ag/CAU-17@MoS₂ is enhanced to 326.5 μmol h⁻¹ g⁻¹, which is 12 times higher than that of CAU-17. Tetracycline photocatalytically degraded with an efficiency of 91.6% when exposed to visible light. Interestingly, the obvious photothermal effect of Ag/CAU-17@MoS₂ greatly promotes the photocatalytic performance. In addition, transient photoluminescence tests confirm that the Ag/CAU-17@MoS₂ heterojunction has a longer charge lifetime. At the same time, in situ X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy is carried out to verify the transfer mechanism of the photogenerated charge following the S-scheme heterojunction. The novel approach and design concept presented herein offer a viable approach for the development of high-efficiency S-scheme heterojunction photocatalysts.