Synthesis of MoS_2/g-C_3N_4 nanocomposites with enhanced visible-light photocatalytic activity for the removal of nitric oxide (NO)

Abstract

Molybdenum disulfide and graphitic carbon nitride (MoS₂-g-C₃N₄) nanocomposites with visible-light induced photocatalytic activity were successfully synthesized by a facile ultrasonic dispersion method. The crystalline structure and morphology of the MoS₂-g-C₃N₄ nanocomposites were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microcopy (TEM), high-resolution TEM (HRTEM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The optical property of the as-prepared nanocomposites was studied by ultraviolet visible diffusion reflection (UV-vis) and photoluminescence(PL) spectrum. It could be observed from the TEM image that the MoS₂ nanosheets and g-C₃N₄ nanoparticles were well combined together. Moreover, the photocatalytic activity of MoS₂-g-C₃N₄ composites was evaluated by the removal of nitric oxide under visible light irradiation (>400nm). The experimental results demonstrated that the nanocomposites with the MoS₂ content of 1.5 wt% exhibited optimal photocatalytic activity and the corresponding removal rate of NO achieved 51.67%, higher than that of pure g-C₃N₄ nanoparticles. A possible photocatalytic mechanism for the MoS₂-g-C₃N₄ nanocomposites with enhanced photocatalytic activity could be ascribed to the hetero-structure of MoS₂ and g-C₃N₄.