Improved photocatalytic degradation of organic dye using Ag₃PO₄/MoS₂ nanocomposite

Highly efficient Ag₃PO₄/MoS₂ nanocomposite photocatalyst was synthesized using a wet chemical route with a low weight percentage of highly exfoliated MoS₂ (0.1 wt.%) and monodispersed Ag₃PO₄ nanoparticles (~5.4 nm). The structural and optical properties of the nanocomposite were studied using various characterization techniques, such as XRD, TEM, Raman and absorption spectroscopy. The composite exhibits markedly enhanced photocatalytic activity with a low lamp power (60 W). Using this composite, a high kinetic rate constant (k) value of 0.244 min^-1 was found. It was observed that ~97.6% of dye degrade over the surface of nanocomposite catalyst within 15 min of illumination. The improved photocatalytic activity of Ag₃PO₄/MoS₂ nanocomposite is attributed to the efficient interfacial charge separation, which was supported by the PL results. Large surface area of MoS₂ nanosheets incorporated with well dispersed Ag₃PO₄ nanoparticles further increases charge separation, contributing to enhanced degradation efficiency. A possible mechanism for charge separation is also discussed.