Full-spectrum responsive Mn0.2Cd0.8S/MoSe2 p−n heterojunction for efficient photothermal-assisted photocatalytic H2 evolution

Development of highly-efficient heterostructured photocatalysts capable of fully utilizing full solar spectrum has emerged as a focal point in photocatalytic H 2 evolution from water splitting. Herein, Mn 0.2 Cd 0.8 S/MoSe 2 composite was successfully constructed by attaching full-spectrum responsive MoSe 2 nanospheres on surface of Mn 0.2 Cd 0.8 S polyhedra via in-situ hydrothermal process. The optimal Mn 0.2 Cd 0.8 S/MoSe 2 -5wt% composite photocatalyst yielded the H 2 evolution rate of 34.31 mmol g –1 h –1 under full-spectrum light, significantly surpassing the activities obtained under near-infrared (NIR), ultraviolet (UV), visible (Vis), Vis-NIR and UV-Vis light alone. This outstanding property could be attributed to the synergetic effects of p−n heterojunction and photothermal effect, effectively accelerating interfacial charge transfer, elevating reaction system's temperature and expediting surface reaction, thereby promoting the photocatalytic reaction of Mn 0.2 Cd 0.8 S. This study offers a valuable perspective on utilizing MoSe 2 to construct an efficient photothermal-assisted photocatalysis system.