Modified hydrothermal fabrication of a CoS2–graphene hybrid with improved photocatalytic performance

CoS2 and a CoS2–graphene composite were synthesized via a facile sonochemical and hydrothermal method. As-prepared samples were characterized by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy with energy-dispersive X-ray analysis, transmission electron microscopy, and UV-vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy. The CoS2–graphene composites exhibited high dye adsorption, extended light absorption, and efficient charge separation properties. Hence, for photodegradation of methylene blue (MB), significant enhancement of the reaction rate was observed for CoS2–graphene compared to pure CoS2. The high activity can be attributed to positive synergetic effects between CoS2 and graphene. The excellent photoinduced charge separation and observed red shift make these hybrid materials potential candidates for the development of high-performance next-generation photocatalyst materials.