MoS₂ nanoflowers functionalized with C₃N₄ nanosheets for enhanced photodecomposition

Heterojunctions fabrication using two-dimensional (2D) materials exhibit improved photocatalytic performance for application in water purification, energy production, and environmental remediation owing to their enhanced optical absorption ability and effective charge separation process. Herein, we report the controlled fabrication of C₃N₄-functionalized MoS₂ nanoflowers using a hydrothermal method and their application for the removal of organic pollutants from water. The heterojunction formation between MoS₂ and C₃N₄ nanosheets was confirmed via transmission electron microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and chemical mapping. A systematic reduction in photoluminescence intensity was observed, indicating an improvement in the charge separation at the heterojunction between C₃N₄ and MoS₂ nanoflowers. The as-prepared 2D C₃N₄–MoS₂ nanohybrids exhibited significant photocatalytic performance for methylene blue (MB) and H₂ generation. Furthermore, the MoS₂ loading over C₃N₄ nanosheets was varied to increase the density of the heterojunction. The 2D C₃N₄–MoS₂ nanohybrids with the highest heterojunction density exhibited enhanced photodecomposition performance owing to effective charge separation. A minor amount (0.08 mg/mL) of 2D C₃N₄–MoS₂ nanohybrids could decompose 20 μM of an MB solution in 30 min, which has not been realized thus far. The effective charge transfer mechanism of C₃N₄–MoS₂ nanohybrids has been explained based on their highly enhanced photocatalytic performance.