One-step synthesis of CdS nanoparticles/MoS2 nanosheets heterostructure on porous molybdenum sheet for enhanced photocatalytic H2 evolution

Abstract Co-catalysts for H 2 production are often made from expensive noble metals, such as the most efficient Pt. The alternative non-noble metal co-catalysts with low cost and high efficiency are therefore highly desirable for economically viable H 2 production. Herein, we demonstrated that a CdS/MoS 2 /Mo sheets system simultaneously containing photocatalysts, co-catalysts, and conductive supports, was prepared via the one-step hydrothermal process by Mo sheets as template and Mo sources. The obtained CdS/MoS 2 /Mo sheets possess the superior photocatalytic H 2 production via water splitting under visible light irradiation, which achieved an extraordinary H 2 production of 4540 μmol h −1  g −1 , up to 28.6 and 3.6 times greater than that of CdS alone and Pt/CdS. The synergetic effect of MoS 2 as co-catalysts and Mo sheets as conductive supports contribute to the dramatically improved photocatalytic H 2 evolution activity of CdS photocatalysts, by means of facilitating charge carriers separation and providing active sites for proton reduction. These findings provide a straightforward and practical route to produce cheap and efficient co-catalysts for large-scale water splitting.