From MoS sub(2) Microspheres to [alpha]-MoO sub(3) Nanoplates: Growth Mechanism and Photocatalytic Activities

• Published in: European journal of inorganic chemistry Vol. 2014; no. 20; pp. 3245 - 3251
• Main Authors: Zhong, Mianzeng, Wei, Zhongming, Meng, Xiuqing, Wu, Fengmin, Li, Jingbo
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: 01.07.2014
• Subjects: Degradation; Heterojunctions; Microspheres; Molybdenum disulfide; Nanoparticles; Nanostructure; Photocatalysis; Precursors
• ISSN: 1434-1948; 1099-0682
• DOI: 10.1002/ejic.201402079

Flowerlike MoS sub(2) microspheres were synthesized through a hydrothermal method. 2H-MoS sub(2) nanoparticles, MoS sub(2)/MoO sub(3) heterojunctions, and [alpha]-MoO sub(3) nanoplates were prepared by annealing the MoS sub(2) microspheres under different reaction conditions. The formation and growth mechanism of the samples from flowerlike MoS sub(2) microspheres to [alpha]-MoO sub(3) nanoplates is explained in detail. The photocatalytic properties of the four samples for the degradation of rhodamine B (RhB) under visible-light irradiation were studied. The results showed that the flowerlike MoS sub(2) microspheres, MoS sub(2)/[alpha]-MoO sub(3) heterojunctions, and [alpha]-MoO sub(3) nanoplates all have excellent photocatalytic activities. In particular, the flowerlike MoS sub(2) microspheres exhibit the highest photocatalytic activity for the degradation of RhB. Flowerlike MoS sub(2) microspheres are used as a precursor for the preparation of 2H-MoS sub(2) nanoparticles, MoS sub(2)/[alpha]-MoO sub(3) heterojunctions, and [alpha]-MoO sub(3) nanoplates. The growth mechanism is studied in detail. Among the four samples, the MoS sub(2)/[alpha]-MoO sub(3) heterojunctions and MoS sub(2) microspheres show excellent photocatalytic activity.