Few-layered MoS2 nanoparticles loaded TiO2 nanosheets with exposed {001} facets for enhanced photocatalytic activity

To improve the high charge carrier recombination rate and low visible light absorption of {001} facets exposed TiO2[TiO2(001)] nanosheets, few-layered MoS2 nanoparticles were loaded on the surfaces of TiO2(001) nanosheets by a simple photodeposition method. The photocatalytic activities towards Rhodamine B (RhB) were investigated. The results showed that the MoS2-TiO2(001) nanocomposites exhibited much enhanced photocatalytic activities compared with the pure TiO2(001) nanosheets. At an optimal Mo/Ti molar ratio of 25%, the MoS2-TiO2(001) nanocomposites displayed the highest photocatalytic activity, which took only 30 min to degrade 50 mL of RhB (50 mg/L). The active species in the degradation reaction were determined to be h(+) and center dot OH according to the free radical trapping experiments. The reduced charge carrier recombination rate, enhanced visible light utilization and increased surface areas contributed to the enhanced photocatalytic performances of the 25% MoS2-TiO2(001) nanocomposites.