Dual-vacancies modulation of 1T/2H heterostructured MoS2-CdS nanoflowers via radiolytic radical chemistry for efficient photocatalytic H2 evolution

Precise defect engineering of photocatalysts is highly demanding but remains a challenge. Here, we developed a facile and controllable gamma-ray radiation strategy to assemble dual-vacancies confined MoS2-CdS-gamma nanocomposite photocatalyst. We showed the solvated electron induced homogeneous growth of defects-rich CdS nanoparticles, while the symbiotic center dot OH radicals etched flower-like 1T/2H MoS2 substrate surfaces. The optimal MoS2-CdS-gamma exhibited a H2 evolution rate of up to 37.80 mmol/h/g under visible light irradiation, which was 36.7 times higher than that of bare CdS-gamma, and far superior to those synthesized by hydrothermal method. The microscopic characterizations and theoretical calculations revealed the formation of such unprecedented dual-sulfurvacancies ensured the tight interfacial contact for fast charge separation. Besides, the existence of 1T-MoS2 phase further improved the conductivity and strengthened the adsorption interaction with H+ intermediate. Therefore, the radiolytic radical chemistry offered a facile, ambient and effective synthetic strategy to improve the catalytic performances of photocatalytic materials.