MoS₂-Based Nanocomposites for Photocatalytic Hydrogen Evolution and Carbon Dioxide Reduction

Abstract

Photocatalysis is a facile and sustainable approach for energy conversion and environmental remediation by generating solar fuels from water splitting. Due to their two-dimensional (2D) layered structure and excellent physicochemical properties, molybdenum disulfide (MoS 2 ) has been effectively utilized in photocatalytic H 2 evolution reaction (HER) and CO 2 reduction. The photocatalytic efficiency of MoS 2 greatly depends on the active edge sites present in their layered structure. Modifications like reducing the layer numbers, creating defective structures, and adopting different morphologies produce more unsaturated S atoms as active edge sites. Hence, MoS 2 acts as a cocatalyst in nanocomposites/heterojunctions to facilitate the photogenerated electron transfer. This review highlights the role of MoS 2 as a cocatalyst for nanocomposites in H 2 evolution reaction and CO 2 reduction. The H 2 evolution activity has been described comprehensively as binary (with metal oxide, carbonaceous materials, metal sulfides, and metal−organic frameworks) and ternary composites of MoS 2 . Photocatalytic CO 2 reduction is a more complex and challenging process that demands an efficient light-responsive semiconductor catalyst to tackle the thermodynamic and kinetic factors. Photocatalytic reduction of CO 2 using MoS 2 is an emerging topic and would be a cost-effective substitute for noble catalysts. Herein, we also exclusively envisioned the possibility of layered MoS 2 and its composites in this area. This review is expected to furnish an understanding of the diverse roles of MoS 2 in solar fuel generation, thus endorsing an interest in utilizing this unique layered structure to create nanostructures for future energy applications.

Electrocatalytic Reduction Mechanisms of CO2 on MoS2 Edges Using Grand-Canonical DFT: From CO2 Adsorption to HCOOH or CO

“…Molybdenum disulfide (MoS 2 ), a prominent member of the 2D transition-metal dichalcogenides (TMDCs) family and renowned for its versatile role as a catalyst of various chemical processes such as hydrotreatment of petroleum cuts or biomass conversion , has recently shown promise for various electro- and photocatalytic applications. In particular, the electrochemical hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) , and CO 2 photoreduction could be catalyzed by MoS 2 . , As an example, Asadi et al demonstrated high efficiency of MoS 2 for electrochemical reduction of CO 2 , outperforming noble metals, particularly at its Mo-terminated edges . They showcased a high current density for carbon monoxide (CO) formation at low overpotential in an ionic liquid, which was also deemed responsible for the observed suppression of the competing HER, as also shown previously .…”

Nano-Food Farming Approaches to Mitigate Heat Stress under Ongoing Climate Change: A Review

“…(3) Nanofibers as catalysts for the conversion and sequestration of CO 2 [99]; (4) Nanocomposites for photocatalytic CO 2 reduction and H 2 evolution reactions [100];…”

Enhanced photocatalytic performance of SnS2 under visible light irradiation: strategies and future perspectives

“…Various reports have shown that SnS 2 can be utilized in numerous photocatalytic applications, such as hydrogen production, 31–34 wastewater treatment, 35–39 antibacterial and antifungal activity, 40–43 and air purification. 44 For example, Yu et al 45 first reported the photocatalytic hydrogen production of SnS 2 nanosheets under solar light simulation with H 2 evolution activity of 1.06 mmol h −1 g −1 .…”