α-S nanoparticles grown on MoS2 nanosheets: A novel sulfur-based photocatalyst with enhanced photocatalytic performance

•A novel α-S/MoS2 composite was prepared by a simple aqueous chemical method.•In the composite, MoS2 served as the favorable electron transporter and photocenter.•The α-S/MoS2 composite showed enhanced photocatalytic activity for MB degradation.

A novel α-S/MoS2 composite with well dispersed α-S nanoparticles on MoS2 nanosheets was prepared by a simple aqueous chemical method. The combination of MoS2 with α-S not only extended light adsorption spectrum but also enhanced the separation efficiency of photoinduced charge carriers. In the α-S/MoS2 composite, MoS2 nanosheets served as a photocenter for absorbing solar light to generate more charge carriers, and worked as an excellent electron transporter to separate charge carriers. As a result, α-S/MoS2 composite exhibited much higher photocatalytic activity for degradation of methylene blue under both UV and visible light irradiation, compared with pure α-S. Our results might open up a promising way to develop novel and highly efficient α-S-based photocatalyst.

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