Synthesis and Characterization of MoS2/TiO2 Nanocomposites for Enhanced Photocatalytic Degradation of Methylene Blue under Sunlight Irradiation

• Published in: Key engineering materials Vol. 778; pp. 137 - 143
• Main Authors: Riaz, Adeel, Akram, Muhammad Aftab, Jan, Rahim, Mujahid, Mohammad, Javed, Sofia, Khan, Ramsha
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Zurich Trans Tech Publications Ltd 05.09.2018
• Subjects: Dyes; Methylene blue; Molybdenum disulfide; Nanocomposites; Nanoparticles; Photocatalysis; Photodegradation; Titanium dioxide; Photodegradation; 2D Sheets; Nanocomposites; Sol-Gel Reflux Synthesis; Titania; Dichalcogenides
• ISSN: 1013-9826; 1662-9795; 1662-9795
• DOI: 10.4028/www.scientific.net/KEM.778.137

2D nanosheets/ nanoparticles based MoS2/TiO2 nanocomposites were prepared in different weight compositions which were further employed to investigate photocatalytic degradation of methylene blue. Anatase TiO2 powder was prepared via sol-gel reflux method using titanium tetraisopropoxide as Ti precursor. MoS2/TiO2 nanocomposites were prepared by in situ addition of exfoliated MoS2 (2D-nanosheets) in different weight ratios of 0.1%, 0.5%, 1%, 2% and 5% in TiO2 sol. Surface morphology, phase analysis, optical properties were studied using SEM, XRD, UV-Vis spectroscopy respectively. SEM results showed that TiO2 nanoparticles were completely adsorbed over the surface of MoS2 sheets as reflux synthesis was employed. Efficient charge carrier separation was achieved which reduced recombination, and hence, enhanced photo-degradation of methylene blue was observed. The hetero-structures showed less operation time in sunlight for photodegradation of methylene blue and a highest rate constant was observed by 2 wt.% loading of MoS2 on TiO2. These composites can also be used commercially as they show promising results.