Preparation of MoS2/Ni@NiO/g-C3N4 composite catalyst and its photocatalytic performance for hydrogen production

A p-n heterojunction composite catalyst MoS2/Ni@NiO/g-C3N4 was synthesized by hydrothermal method to produce H2. The catalyst was characterized by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, ultraviolet visible spectroscopy, photoluminescence spectrum, etc. The catalytic effect and mechanism of MoS2/Ni@NiO/g-C3N4 were investigated. The hydrogen production rate of the composite catalyst could reach 7.98 mmol g−1 h−1, which was 5 times higher than g-C3N4. It could be seen from the characterization that the specific surface area of the composite increased to 66.39 m2/g, the active sites on the surface increased. The formation of p-n heterojunction reduced the electron-hole recombination rate and improved the hydrogen production rate of the catalyst. Finally, the apparent quantum yield of MoS2/Ni@NiO/g-C3N4 was calculated, which was 67.25%. It provided a new strategy for the preparation of highly efficient hydrogen-producing composite catalysts.