Regular Article

Enhanced photocatalytic performance of molybdenum disulfide-copper oxide nanoparticles photoanodes

College of Science, Wasit University, Al Kut, Wasit, Iraq

^* e-mail: alialzubeidy@uowasit.edu.iq

Received: 25 August 2021
Received in final form: 20 October 2021
Accepted: 17 November 2021
Published online: 9 December 2021

Abstract

In this paper, the molybdenum disulfide (MoS₂)/copper oxide (CuO) heterostructure is introduced in a very simple way for photoelectrochemical application. MoS₂ multilayers were prepared by sonication method and decorated with copper oxide nanoparticles through its thin film deposition layer and heating in argon atmosphere. SEM, TEM, AFM, absorption and Raman analyses were employed to characterize the nanostructures. The results show that the presence of copper oxide nanoparticles reduces the recombination rate of photogenerated electron-holes in MoS₂ multilayers and produces a significant photocurrent compared to the individual MoS₂ electrode. Such a proposed structure demonstrates a high potential for photoelectrochemical applications.