Direct Z-scheme MoSe2 decorating TiO2 nanotube arrays photocatalyst for water decontamination.

Abstract Exploring a Z-scheme heterojunction photocatalyst with efficient charge separation and outstanding redox ability is necessary but very challenging. Herein, a novel direct Z-scheme MoSe 2 decorating TiO 2 nanotube arrays photocatalyst (denoted as MoSe 2 @TNTs) was prepared by a facile in situ hydrothermal method. Few-layer MoSe 2 nanosheets distribute on the surface of the TNTs without shielding the tubular structure. Compared with individual TNTs and MoSe 2 , the as-prepared MoSe 2 @TNTs composite displays much better photocatalytic activity for eliminating pollutants (such as 4-nitrophenol and hexavalent chromium). Investigation results reveal that TNTs combined with appropriate amount of MoSe 2 as co-catalyst has direct Z-scheme construction instead of traditional type-II heterojunction, which can offer abundant photo-generated active species with high redox capacity. Graphical abstract Image 10 Highlights • Few-layer MoSe 2 nanosheets decorated TiO 2 NTs via a facile hydrothermal method. • MoSe 2 @TNTs exhibited high catalytic activity towards degradation of 4-NP and CrVI. • A direct Z-scheme mechanism was proposed for MoSe 2 @TNTs composites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]