Synthesis and characterization of MoS₂/TiO₂ nanocomposites for enhanced photocatalytic degradation of methylene blue under sunlight irradiation

2D nanosheets/nanoparticles based MoS₂/TiO₂ nanocomposites were prepared in different weight compositions which were further employed to investigate photocatalytic degradation of methylene blue. Anatase TiO₂ powder was prepared via sol-gel reflux method using titanium tetraisopropoxide as Ti precursor. MoS₂/TiO₂ nanocomposites were prepared by in situ addition of exfoliated MoS₂ (2D-nanosheets) in different weight ratios of 0.1%, 0.5%, 1%, 2% and 5% in TiO₂ sol. Surface morphology, phase analysis, optical properties were studied using SEM, XRD, UV-Vis spectroscopy respectively. SEM results showed that TiO₂ nanoparticles were completely adsorbed over the surface of MoS₂ sheets as reflux synthesis was employed. Efficient charge carrier separation was achieved which reduced recombination, and hence, enhanced photodegradation of methylene blue was observed. The hetero-structures showed less operation time in sunlight for photodegradation of methylene blue and a highest rate constant was observed by 2 wt.% loading of MoS₂ on TiO₂. These composites can also be used commercially as they show promising results.