Molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) based photoredox catalysis in chemical transformations

Abstract

Photoredox catalysis has been explored for chemical reactions by irradiation of photoactive catalysts with visible light, under mild and environmentally benign conditions. Furthermore, this methodology permits the activation of abundant chemicals into valuable products through novel mechanisms that are otherwise inaccessible. In this context, MoS₂ has drawn attention due to its excellent solar spectral response and its notable electrical, optical, mechanical and magnetic properties. MoS₂ has a number of characteristic properties like tunable band gap, enhanced absorption of visible light, a layered structure, efficient photon electron conversion, good photostability, non-toxic nature and quantum confinement effects that make it an ideal photocatalyst and co-catalyst for chemical transformations. Recently, MoS₂ has gained synthetic utility in chemical transformations. In this review, we will discuss MoS₂ properties, structure, synthesis techniques, and photochemistry along with modifications of MoS₂ to enhance its photocatalytic activity with a focus on its applications and future challenges.