Synthesis of MoS2/YVO4 composite and its high photocatalytic performance in methyl orange degradation and H2 evolution.

Highlights • MoS 2 /YVO 4 composite was prepared by a hydrothermal method. • MoS 2 /YVO 4 showed high efficiency in photocatalytic H 2 generation and MO degradation. • The H 2 generation rate of MoS 2 /YVO 4 is 11.3 times faster than that of YVO 4. • The MO degradation rate constant of MoS 2 /YVO 4 is 4.4 times higher than that of YVO 4. • The influence factors on the photoactivity of MoS 2 /YVO 4 were investigated. Abstract This work was designed to ameliorate the photocatalytic performance of YVO 4 by using MoS 2 as a co-catalyst. MoS 2 was in-situ decorated on the surface of YVO 4 nanoparticles through a simple hydrothermal process. The synthesized MoS 2 /YVO 4 composite was characterized by various techniques, including XRD, Raman, XPS, SEM, TEM, DRS, PL, EIS and PC. Results indicate that MoS 2 acts as an electron trapper in the binary system, which hinders the recombination of charge carriers and enhances the utilization of the photogenerated charge carriers in the photocatalytic reaction. Therefore, MoS 2 /YVO 4 composite presents high activity in the photocatalytic degradation of methyl orange (MO) and the generation of H 2 under simulated sunlight irradiation. 2.5% MoS 2 /YVO 4 sample has the best performance in H 2 generation with a H 2 -evolution rate of 134 μmol g−1 h−1, which is 11.2 times higher than that of pure YVO 4. For photocatalytic degradation of MO, 10%MoS 2 /YVO 4 shows the best efficiency. The degradation rate constant is 4.4 times larger than that of pure YVO 4. The different optimal content of MoS 2 can be ascribed to that the two reactions are performed in different ways. This work may provide some valuable information for the future design of high efficient photocatalysts by using MoS 2 as a co-catalyst. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]