Multi-node CdS hetero-nanowires grown with defect-rich oxygen-doped MoS2 ultrathin nanosheets for efficient visible-light photocatalytic H2 evolution

Developing low-cost and high-efficiency photocatalysts for hydrogen production from solar water splitting is intriguing but challenging. In this study, unique one-dimensional (1D) multi-node MoS 2 /CdS hetero-nanowires (NWs) for efficient visible-light photocatalytic H 2 evolution are synthesized via a facile hydrothermal method. Flower-like sheaths are assembled from numerous defect-rich O-incorporated {0001} MoS 2 ultrathin nanosheets (NSs), and {112̅0}-facet surrounded CdS NW stems are grown preferentially along the c -axis. Interestingly, the defects in the MoS 2 NSs provide additional active S atoms on the exposed edge sites, and the incorporation of O reduces the energy barrier for H 2 evolution and increases the electric conductivity of the MoS 2 NSs. Moreover, the recombination of photoinduced charge carriers is significantly inhibited by the heterojunction formed between the MoS 2 NSs and CdS NWs. Therefore, in the absence of noble metals as co-catalysts, the 1D MoS 2 NS/CdS NW hybrids exhibit an excellent H 2 -generation rate of 10.85 mmol·g –1 ·h –1 and a quantum yield of 22.0% at λ = 475 nm, which is far better than those of Pt/CdS NWs, pure MoS 2 NSs, and CdS NWs as well as their physical mixtures. Our results contribute to the rational construction of highly reactive nanostructures for various catalytic applications.