Coupling of Crumpled-Type Novel MoS(2) with CeO(2) Nanoparticles: A Noble-Metal-Free p–n Heterojunction Composite for Visible Light Photocatalytic H(2) Production

[Image: see text] In terms of solar hydrogen production, semiconductor-based photocatalysts via p–n heterojunctions play a key role in enhancing future hydrogen reservoir. The present work focuses on the successful synthesis and characterization of a novel p-MoS(2)/n-CeO(2) heterojunction photocatalyst for excellent performance toward solar hydrogen production. The synthesis involves a simple in situ hydrothermal process by varying the wt % of MoS(2). The various characterization techniques support the uniform distribution of CeO(2) on the surface of crumpled MoS(2) nanosheets, and the formation of p–n heterojunction is further confirmed by transmission electron microscopy and Mott–Schottky analysis. Throughout the experiment, it is demonstrated that 2 wt % MoS(2) in the MoS(2)/CeO(2) heterojunction photocatalyst exhibits the highest rate of hydrogen evolution with a photocurrent density of 721 μA cm(–2). The enhanced photocatalytic activity is ascribed to the formation of the p–n heterojunction that provides an internal electric field to facilitate the photogenerated charge separation and transfer.