A robust novel 0D/2D MoS3 QDs/C-doped atomically thin TiO2(B) nanosheet composite for highly efficient photocatalytic H2 evolution.

[Display omitted] • A novel 0D/2D MoS 3 QDs/C-doped atomic-layer TiO 2 (B) nanosheet composite was fabricated. • The unique nanostructure exhibits remarkable performance for photocatalytic H 2 evolution. • MoS 3 exhibits a superior cocatalyst than MoS 2 and Pt for H 2 evolution and stability. Developing efficient photocatalysts for H 2 generation is of huge interest for sources of long-term sustainable energy. Here, a novel 0D/2D MoS 3 quantum dots (QDs)/C-doped atomically thin TiO 2 (B) nanosheet composite (MoS 3 /TiO 2 (B)-C) was fabricated for H 2 evolution. The simultaneous loading of the highly-efficient cocatalyst MoS 3 and carbon and oxygen vacancy co-doping into an atomically thin TiO 2 (B) nanosheet was achieved by an annealing process. This unique nanostructure of the MoS 3 /TiO 2 (B)-C exhibits remarkable photocatalysis of H 2 in the full spectrum. We obtain a yield of 2.47 mmol·g−1·h−1, 30 times higher than pure TiO 2 (B) nanosheet, and even higher than MoS 2 and Pt loaded TiO 2 (B) nanosheets (2.23 and 2.36 mmol·g−1·h−1, respectively). In-depth characterization shows that notably MoS 3 is a superior cocatalyst than MoS 2 for H 2 evolution and stability. We note MoS 2 is an earth-abundant robust cocatalyst previously recognized as an ideal substitute for Pt. Importantly, this research work also provides new insights for the design and practical manufacture of low-cost highly efficient H 2 generating photocatalysts by ultra-thin 2D materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]