The co-modification of MoS 2 and CdS on TiO 2 nanotube array for improved photoelectrochemical properties

Herein, a heterostructure of MoS 2 /CdS/TiO 2 nanotube arrays is constructed by successive ionic layer adsorption/reaction of CdS and dipping-assembly of MoS 2 on the vertically oriented TiO 2 nanotubes prepared by anodization method. The heterostructure is extensively investigated in terms of the composition, morphology, structural, and optical properties. It is observed that the co-modification of TiO 2 nanotube arrays with CdS and MoS 2 significantly enhances the visible light response and boosts the facile photo-generated electrons’ transfer and charge separation efficiencies. Therefore, the prepared heterostructure photo-anode exhibits significantly enhanced photoelectrochemical properties including photocurrent, open circuit potential, and photo-conversion efficiencies compared with that of pure TiO 2 nanotube arrays and CdS/TiO 2 nanotube systems. Interestingly, it is found that the MoS 2 coatings on the surface of CdS/TiO 2 nanotube arrays greatly enhance their photoelectrochemical stability. The presented work demonstrates that MoS 2 /CdS/TiO 2 nanotube heterostructures are a promising material for improved photoelectrochemical properties. Graphical abstract A heterostructure of MoS 2 /CdS/TiO 2 nanotube arrays was constructed by successive ionic layer adsorption/reaction of CdS and dipping-assembly of MoS 2 on the vertically oriented TiO 2 nanotube arrays, and their improved photoelectrochemical properties were demonstrated