Efficient hydrogen production over MOFs (ZIF-67) and g-C3N4 boosted with MoS2 nanoparticles

MOFs (ZIF-67) and g-C3N4 catalyst-modified MoS2 nanoparticles are prepared by means of doping g-C3N4 in the process of ZIF-67 formation and then introducing MoS2 nanoparticles on the surface of collaborative structure between MOFs and g-C3N4. The MOFs (ZIF-67) and g-C3N4 catalyst-modified MoS2 photocatalyst exhibits efficient hydrogen production with about 321 mu mol under visible light irradiation in 4 h, which is almost about 30 times higher than that of over the pure g-C3N4 photocatalyst. A series of characterization studies such as SEM, XRD, TEM, EDX, XPS, UV vis DRS, FTIR, transient fluorescence and electro-chemistry show that the novel structure of g-C3N4 and MOF is formed, the more active sites appears and the efficiency of photo-generated charge separation is improved. MoS2, as a narrow band semiconductor, is grafted on the surface of g-C3N4/MOF, which could effectively harvest visible light and swift charge separation. The results are well mutual corroboration with each other. In addition, a eosin Y-sensitized reaction mechanism is introduced. (C) 2018 Hydrogen Energy Publications LLC. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.