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

Co-catalysts for H2 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 H2 production. Herein, we demonstrated that a CdS/MoS2/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/MoS2/Mo sheets possess the superior photocatalytic H2 production via water splitting under visible light irradiation, which achieved an extraordinary H2 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 MoS2 as co-catalysts and Mo sheets as conductive supports contribute to the dramatically improved photocatalytic H2 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.