Mass Production and High Photocatalytic Activity of ZnS Nanoporous Nanoparticles

Preparation and Spectrochemical characterization of Ni-doped ZnS nanocomposite for effective removal of emerging contaminants and hydrogen Production: Reaction Kinetics, mechanistic insights

In this study, we report the successful synthesis of Ni-doped ZnS nanocomposite via a green route using ethanolic crude extract of Avena fatua. The as-synthesized nanocomposite was comprehensively characterized using Dynamic light scattering (DLS), Zeta potential, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and Atomic force microscopy (AFM). These analyses provided detailed insights into the size, morphology, composition, surface properties, and structural characteristics of the nanocomposite. Subsequently, the synthesized nanocomposite was evaluated for their photocatalytic performance against the organic dye Methyl orange. Remarkably, the nanocomposite exhibited rapid and efficient degradation of Methyl orange, achieving 90 % degradation within only 30 min of irradiation under UV light. Moreover, the photocatalyst demonstrated an exceptional hydrogen production rate, reaching 167.73 µmolg-1h-1, which is approximately 4.5 times higher than that of its pristine counterparts. These findings highlight the significant potential of Ni-doped ZnS nanocomposite as highly efficient photocatalysts for wastewater treatment and hydrogen production applications.

Efficient performance of InP and InP/ZnS quantum dots for photocatalytic degradation of toxic aquatic pollutants

In recent years, the growing concern over the presence of toxic aquatic pollutants has prompted intensive research into effective and environmentally friendly remediation methods. Photocatalysis using semiconductor quantum dots (QDs) has developed as a promising technology for pollutant degradation. Among various QD materials, indium phosphide (InP) and its hybrid with zinc sulfide (ZnS) have gained considerable attention due to their unique optical and photocatalytic properties. Herein, InP and InP/ZnS QDs were employed for the removal of dyes (crystal violet, and congo red), polyaromatic hydrocarbons (pyrene, naphthalene, and phenanthrene), and pesticides (deltamethrin) in the presence of visible light. The degradation efficiencies of crystal violet (CV) and congo red (CR) were 74.54% and 88.12% with InP, and 84.53% and 91.78% with InP/ZnS, respectively, within 50 min of reaction. The InP/ZnS showed efficient performance for the removal of polyaromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). For example, the removal percentage for naphthalene, phenanthrene, and pyrene was 99.8%, 99.6%, and 88.97% after the photocatalytic reaction. However, the removal percentage of InP/ZnS for pesticide deltamethrin was 90.2% after 90 min light irradiation. Additionally, advanced characterization techniques including UV-visible spectrophotometer (UV-Vis), photoluminescence (PL), X-ray diffractometer (XRD), energy-dispersive spectrometer (EDS) elemental mapping, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) were used to analyze the crystal structure, morphology, and purity of the fabricated materials in detail. The particle size results obtained from TEM are in the range of 2.28-4.60 nm. Both materials (InP and InP/ZnS) exhibited a spherical morphology, displaying distinct lattice fringes. XRD results of InP depicted lattice planes (111), (220), and (311) in good agreement with cubic geometry. Furthermore, the addition of dopants was discovered to enhance the thermal stability of the fabricated material. In addition, QDs exhibited efficacy in the breakdown of PAHs. The analysis of their fragmentation suggests that the primary mechanism for PAHs degradation is the phthalic acid pathway.

A direct Z-scheme BS/PtO2 van der Waals heterojunction for enhanced visible-light photocatalytic water splitting: a first-principles study

A direct Z-scheme heterostructure holds a unique advantage in solar-driven overall water splitting, while the rational design of efficient photocatalysts for water splitting in such heterostructures remains a challenge. Based on first-principles calculations, this study proposes a novel direct Z-scheme two-dimensional (2D) van der Waals (vdW) heterostructure photocatalyst, denoted as BS/PtO2. Its band edges match the oxidation-reduction potentials of water, satisfying the conditions for the oxidation and reduction of water. Under acidic conditions (pH = 0), the results of the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) and hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) indicate that BS/PtO2 can drive the OER without the need for an external bias, while the HER requires catalytic assistance. Interestingly, compared to single-layer materials, this heterostructure exhibits a significant enhancement in visible light absorption, implying a more efficient solar energy conversion capability. Therefore, the BS/PtO2 heterostructure holds the potential to become a promising direct Z-scheme photocatalyst with efficient visible light activity.

Covalent Organic Framework-Semiconductor-Based Heterostructures for Photocatalytic Applications

Photocatalysis is a promising and sustainable technology in the fields of energy conversion/storage and environment purification; however, the utilization of individual component as photocatalyst is generally restricted due to the low catalytic activity deriving from the rapid recombination of photogenerated electrons/holes. Covalent organic framework (COF)-semiconductor-based composite photocatalysts with synergistic effects provide a feasible route to achieve high-performance photocatalytic reactions with more active sites, strong light utilization ability, and high stability. In recent years, significant progress has been made in the rational design and preparation of the COF-semiconductors-based heterostructures for photocatalytic water splitting, carbon dioxide (CO₂ ) reduction, and dye/pollutant degradation. In this Review, the synthetic strategies of COF-semiconductor-based heterostructures are first introduced, which includes the rational design of the morphology, connection modes, and type of heterojunctions. The performance of COF-semiconductor-based heterostructures in different photocatalytic reactions are comprehensively reviewed. The structure-activity relationship and the synergistic effects within the heterostructures are discussed, and the photocatalytic mechanism and the role of COFs during the photocatalytic process are also presented. Finally, an outlook and challenges of realizing COF-semiconductor-based heterostructures with simple synthesis methods, diverse functions, high performance, and well-defined reaction mechanisms are provided.

Growth Kinetics of Zinc Sulphide Nanocrystals Synthesized by Colloidal Thermolysis of Fatty Acid Carboxylates

Zinc sulphide (ZnS) is an important semiconductor with widespread electronic and catalytic applications. The growth kinetics of ZnS nanocrystals synthesized by the thermal decomposition of zinc ricinoleate carboxylates in an oleylamine:dodecanethiol (1 : 1) solvent mixture isreported. Crystalline sphalerite ZnS nanocrystals with quantum dot sizes of 2.3–5.3 nm were obtained at temperatures higher than 240°C. The p-XRD patterns showed a clear relationship between the crystallite sizes and the peak broadness at a temperature range of 250–300°C. The optical bandgap energies of the ZnS nanocrystals reduced from 4.27 eV to 3.73 eV as the time of reaction increased from 20 to 60 min at 250°C. The activation energy for the growth kinetics of the ZnS nanocrystals was determined to be 36.24 kJ/mol which compares closely to those reported in the literature for aqueous systems.

Construction of Multienzyme Co-immobilized Hybrid Nanoflowers for an Efficient Conversion of Cellulose into Glucose in a Cascade Reaction

Today, we are seeking an efficient biotransformation of cellulosic material into sustainable biochemical products to meet the increasing global energy demand. Herein, we report the fabrication of multienzyme hybrid nanoflowers (ECG-NFs) by co-immobilizing three recombinant enzymes (cellobiohydrolase (CBH), endo-glucanase (EG), and β-glucosidase (BG)) integrating a binary tag composed of elastin-like polypeptide (ELP) and His-tag to act as a tri-enzyme biocatalyst, which catalyzes the hydrolysis of cellulose into glucose. The prepared ECG-NFs exhibited excellent performance in terms of pH stability, thermal stability, storage stability, and catalytic efficiency compared to free multienzyme system. Notably, ECG-NFs could be recycled for up to eight consecutive runs. The K_m and k_cat/K_m values for ECG-NFs were 9.33 g L^-1 and 0.0051 L min^-1 g^-1, respectively, which were better than those of the free multienzyme system, indicating a better substrate affinity. Finally, the overall enzyme activity of ECG-NFs increased by 1.12 times and the degradation efficiency of ECG-NFs was superior to the free multienzyme system, which revealed that ECG-NFs could facilitate an effective one-pot hydrolysis of cellulose into glucose.

Regulation of the Volume Flow Rate of Aqueous Methyl Blue Solution and the Wettability of CuO/ZnO Nanorods to Improve the Photodegradation Performance of Related Microfluidic Reactors

Six CuO/ZnO nanorod (CuO/ZnONR)-based microfluidic reactors were constructed for different UV irradiation durations, with which an aqueous methylene blue (MB) solution was photodegraded at varied volume flow rate Q. Via numerical and experimental routes, the effects of the Q on the kinetic adsorption rate constant K_a and the initial rate constant K_A of the CuO/ZnONR-based microfluidic reactors were discussed. Moreover, a reverse contacting angle (CA) trend of CuO/ZnONRs to the reaction constant K curve of corresponding CuO/ZnONR-based microfluidic reactor suggested that the CA of CuO/ZnONRs was another key influencing factor that affected greatly the photodegradation performance of the microfluidic reactors. The Q of the aqueous MB solution and the UV irradiation duration for the photodeposition of CuO/ZnONRs were optimized to be 125 μL/min and 1.0 h, the K of the CuO/ZnONR-based microfluidic reactors reached 4.84 min^-1, and the related ΔK_A/K was less than 6%. Similarly, these methods and results can be employed not only to enhance the mass transport and adsorption of specific species within other nanostructured matrix material-coated microchannels but also to enlarge the actual contacting surface areas between these microchannels and the related solution, which further improve the performance of other nanostructured catalyst-based microfluidic reactors, rGO microfluidic voltage generation, and a GOx/AuNW enzymatic glucose microfluidic sensor.

Rodlike Cadmium-Incorporated Zinc Tungstate Nanoarchitecture Fabricated by a Facile and Template-Free Strategy as a Photocatalyst for the Effective Degradation of Organic Pollutants in Sewage

Fabricating nanostructures and doping engineering are beneficial to tailor the photocatalytic activity of semiconductor materials, and the semiconducting photocatalysis is deemed to be one of the potential protocols to handle the environmental pollution and energy crisis issues. Herein, rodlike Cd-doped ZnWO4 Zn1-x Cd x WO4 nanoarchitectures were triumphantly prepared by a template-free strategy. The crystal structure, chemical state, optical, and photocatalytic features of the Zn1-x Cd x WO4 nanoarchitectures were studied using a variety of characterizations. The Zn1-x Cd x WO4 nanoarchitectures exhibit glorious photocatalytic performance compared with pristine ZnWO4 for the degradation of methyl orange in sewage. Mechanistic studies were executed for getting insights into the photocatalytic degradation process, and the remarkable photocatalytic property of the doped ZnWO4 nanoarchitectures is attributed to the boosted optical absorptive efficiency and the valid segregation and transmission of photogenerated charge carriers deriving from doping effects. The doped nanoarchitectures of this work have promising applications in the territories such as environment and energy chemistry, and the insight proposed in this work will contribute to develop other functionalized nanoarchitectures.

Sustainable and efficient hydrogen evolution over a noble metal-free WP double modified ZnxCd1-xS photocatalyst driven by visible-light

In terms of energy acquisition, research on the photocatalytic cracking of water to produce hydrogen has become a hub for us to make a transition from theoretical research to practical applications. Charge separations and surface redox reactions of semiconductors are key factors that affect hydrogen production activity. In this study, we used an n-type semiconductor WP as a cocatalyst to modify the solid solution of Zn_xCd_1-xS and found it to have excellent photocatalytic activity under visible light irradiation. Ultraviolet diffuse reflectance spectroscopy showed the red shift of the absorption band of the composite catalyst and the strong absorption of visible light. Under the action of the matching energy band structure, the fluorescence lifetime of the composite catalyst is shortened (2.33 ns) and the electron injection rate is accelerated (K_et = 0.58 × 10⁹ s^-1). Under these favorable conditions, the increased hydrogen production activity of the composite catalyst is finally reflected in the enhanced hydrogen production rate, which reached up to 15 028.6 μmol g^-1 h^-1. In addition, the yield of hydrogen produced by adding a fresh lactic acid catalyst in the fifth cycle after four cycles of testing was greatly improved. Obviously, the addition of WP turns the composite catalyst into a photocatalyst with high efficiency, stability and is a non-noble metal cocatalyst. Finally, through a series of characterization experiments (SEM, TEM, XPS, BET, Mott-Schottky et al.), we proposed the possible mechanism of WP/Zn_xCd_1-xS that efficiently promotes hydrogen production. This provides new understanding for designing an effective cocatalyst modified semiconductor to improve photocatalytic activity.

Recent advances in carbon quantum dot (CQD)-based two dimensional materials for photocatalytic applications

This review presents up-to-date research findings and critical insights on trending topics of pristine CQDs and CQDs-based 2D nanomaterial composites.

Rapid Solar-Light Driven Superior Photocatalytic Degradation of Methylene Blue Using MoS₂-ZnO Heterostructure Nanorods Photocatalyst

Herein, MoS₂-ZnO heterostructure nanorods were hydrothermally synthesized and characterized in detail using several compositional, optical, and morphological techniques. The comprehensive characterizations show that the synthesized MoS₂/ZnO heterostructure nanorods were composed of wurtzite hexagonal phase of ZnO and rhombohedral phase of MoS₂. The synthesized MoS₂/ZnO heterostructure nanorods were used as a potent photocatalyst for the decomposition of methylene blue (MB) dye under natural sunlight. The prepared MoS₂/ZnO heterostructure nanorods exhibited ~97% removal of MB in the reaction time of 20 min with the catalyst amount of 0.15 g/L. The kinetic study revealed that the photocatalytic removal of MB was found to be in accordance with pseudo first-order reaction kinetics with an obtained rate constant of 0.16262 min-1. The tremendous photocatalytic performance of MoS₂-ZnO heterostructure nanorods could be accredited to an effective charge transportation and inhibition in the recombination of photo-excited charge carriers at an interfacial heterojunction. The contribution of active species towards the decomposition of MB using MoS₂-ZnO heterostructure nanorods was confirmed from scavenger study and terephthalic acid fluorescence technique.

Ternary semiconductor ZnxAg1−xS nanocomposites for efficient photocatalytic degradation of organophosphorus pesticides

Some approaches have been carried out for the degradation of organophosphorus pesticides using simple metal oxide nanostructures. This paper reports a comparison of the photocatalytic activity of ZnS and Ag₂S with that of ternary semiconductor Zn_0.5Ag_0.5S nanocomposites without any surfactant for the degradation of the pesticides MLT, MCP, and CPS under UV light for environmental safety.

Two-Dimensional Transition Metal Oxide and Chalcogenide-Based Photocatalysts

Two-dimensional (2D) transition metal oxide and chalcogenide (TMO&C)-based photocatalysts have recently attracted significant attention for addressing the current worldwide challenges of energy shortage and environmental pollution. The ultrahigh surface area and unconventional physiochemical, electronic and optical properties of 2D TMO&Cs have been demonstrated to facilitate photocatalytic applications. This review provides a concise overview of properties, synthesis methods and applications of 2D TMO&C-based photocatalysts. Particular attention is paid on the emerging strategies to improve the abilities of light harvesting and photoinduced charge separation for enhancing photocatalytic performances, which include elemental doping, surface functionalization as well as heterojunctions with semiconducting and conductive materials. The future opportunities regarding the research pathways of 2D TMO&C-based photocatalysts are also presented.

ZnO-ZnS Heterojunctions: A Potential Candidate for Optoelectronics Applications and Mineralization of Endocrine Disruptors in Direct Sunlight

Simple solution combustion synthesis was adopted to synthesize ZnO-ZnS (ZSx) nanocomposites using zinc nitrate as an oxidant and a mixture of urea and thiourea as a fuel. A large thiourea/urea ratio leads to more ZnS in ZSx with heterojunctions between ZnS and ZnO and throughout the bulk; tunable ZnS crystallite size and textural properties are an added advantage. The amount of ZnS in ZSx can be varied by simply changing the thiourea content. Although ZnO and ZnS are wide band gap semiconductors, ZSx exhibits visible light absorption, at least up to 525 nm. This demonstrates an effective reduction of the optical band gap and substantial changes in its electronic structure. Raman spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and secondary-ion mass spectrometry results show features due to ZnO and ZnS and confirm the composite nature with heterojunctions. The above mentioned observations demonstrate the multifunctional nature of ZSx. Bare ZSx exhibits a promising sunlight-driven photocatalytic activity for complete mineralization of endocrine disruptors such as 2,4-dichlorophenol and endosulphan. ZSx also exhibits photocurrent generation at no applied bias. Dye-sensitized solar cell performance evaluation with ZSx shows up to 4% efficiency and 48% incident photon conversion efficiency. Heterojunctions observed between ZnO and ZnS nanocrystallites in high-resolution transmission electron microscopy suggest the reason for effective separation of electron-hole pairs and their utilization.

Facile Synthesis ZnS/ZnO/Ni(OH)2 Composites Grown on Ni Foam: A Bifunctional Materials for Photocatalysts and Supercapacitors

A facile one-step hydrothermal reaction was employed to synthesis an integrated bifunctional composite composed by a network structure of ZnS/ZnO/Ni(OH)₂ nanosheets with ZnS/ZnO nanospheres in situ growing on Ni foam. The synergistic effect of these three substances make the composite having both improved electrochemical performances and photocatalytic activity. The ZnS/ZnO/Ni(OH)₂-4mmol shows a high specific capacitance of 1173.8 F g⁻¹ at 1 A g⁻¹, as well as good rate capability and relatively stable cyclability. Using as photocatalyst, the methyl orange dye in solution can be completely decomposed under ultraviolet-visible radiation in about 80 min. And the composite is easy to be repeatedly used because bulk Ni foam was used as a carrier. Such a bifunctional composite material provides a new insight for energy storage and utilization as well as the water pollution treatment.

Design and Synthesis of Cu@CuS Yolk-Shell Structures with Enhanced Photocatalytic Activity

Non-spherical Cu@CuS yolk-shell structures are successfully obtained using Cu₂O cube templates in a process combining rapid surface sulfidation followed by disproportionation of the Cu₂O core upon treatment with a hydrochloric acid solution. By employing the above method, Cu@CuS yolk-shell structures with different morphologies, including octahedral, truncated octahedral, and cuboctahedral shapes, can be synthesized. The void space within the hollow structures provides a unique confined space, where the metallic copper present in the core of a shell can be protected from agglomeration and oxidation. Furthermore, the presence of metal copper in these hollow structures contributes to improvement in the photocatalytic properties of these materials. The application of these Cu@CuS structures indeed shows clearly improved photocatalytic performance.

Hydrogenation of 3-hydroxypropanal into 1,3-propanediol over bimetallic Ru–Ni catalyst

The introduction of Ru onto the Ni/SiO₂ catalyst promoted not only the reduction of Ni²⁺ to Ni⁰ but also the generation of active hydrogen species and thus increased the 1,3-PDO yield.

Highly Luminescent Heterostructured Copper-Doped Zinc Sulfide Nanocrystals for Application in Cancer Cell Labeling

The structural characteristics of the seed-mediated synthesis of heterostructured CuS-ZnS nanocrystals (NCs) and Cu-doped ZnS (ZnS:Cu) NCs synthesized by two different protocols are compared and analyzed. At high Cu dopant concentrations, segregated subclusters of ZnS and CuS are observed. The photoluminescence quantum yield of ZnS:Cu NCs is about 50-80 %; a value much higher than that of ZnS NCs (6 %). Finally, these NCs are coated with a thin silica shell by using (3-mercaptopropyl)triethoxysilane in a reverse microemulsion to make them water soluble. Cytotoxicity experiments show that these silica-coated NCs have greatly reduced toxicity on both cancerous HeLa and noncancerous Chinese hamster ovary cells. The labeling of cancerous HeLa cells is also demonstrated.

Synthesis and photocatalytic activity of hollow CdS microspheres

Hollow CdS microspheres have been successfully synthesized via a template-free solvothermal process at a 1 : 1 Cd²⁺-to-S²⁻ molar ratio.

Visible light-driven photocatalytic degradation performance for methylene blue with different multi-morphological features of ZnS

SEM images of synthesized 3D ZnS microspheres self-assembled with various precursor substances by different hydrothermal synthesis methods: (a) dandelion-ZnS, (b) raspberry-ZnS, (c) ball-ZnS and (d) flower-ZnS.

Highly Efficient Photoelectrochemical Hydrogen Generation Using Zn(x)Bi2S(3+x) Sensitized Platelike WO₃ Photoelectrodes

Zn(x)Bi2S(3+x) sensitized platelike WO3 photoelectrodes on FTO substrates were for the first time prepared via a sequential ionic layer adsorption reaction (SILAR) process. The samples were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), ultraviolet visible spectrometry (UV-vis), and Raman spectra. The results show that the ZnxBi2S3+x quantum dots (QDs) are uniformly coated on the entire surface of WO3 plates, forming a WO3/Zn(x)Bi2S(3+x) core/shell structure. The Zn(x)Bi2S(3+x)/WO3 films show a superior ability to capture visible light. High-efficiency photoelectrochemical (PEC) hydrogen generation is demonstrated using the prepared electrodes as photoanodes in a typical three-electrode electrochemical cell. Compared to the Bi2S3/WO3 photoelectrodes, the Zn(x)Bi2S(3+x)/WO3 photoelectrodes exhibit good photostability and excellent PEC activity, and the photocurrent density is up to 7.0 mA cm(-2) at -0.1 V versus Ag/AgCl under visible light illumination. Investigation of the electron transport properties of the photoelectrodes shows that the introduction of ZnS enhances the photoelectrons' transport rate in the photoelectrode. The high PEC activity demonstrates the potential of the Zn(x)Bi2S(3+x)/WO3 film as an efficient photoelectrode for hydrogen generation.

Novel C3N4/Zn1−xCdxS heterostructures with adjustment of the band gap and their visible light photocatalytic properties

C₃N₄/Zn_1−xCd_xS heterostructures with excellent photocatalytic activitiy were prepared. The enhanced performance may be attributed to the appropriate band structure.

Synthesis of a flower-like CuS/ZnS nanocomposite decorated on reduced graphene oxide and its photocatalytic performance

CZS/rGO composites with enhanced photocatalytic activity have been synthesized. The results demonstrate that the CZS/rGO composites have enormous potential for photodegradation of organic pollutants. The enhanced mechanism was also explained.

Biotechnologically obtained nanocomposites: A practical application for photodegradation of Safranin-T under UV-Vis and solar light

This research was undertaken to determine the potential of biologically obtained ZnS-TiO2 nanocomposites to be used as catalysts in the photodegradation of organic pollutants, namely, Safranin-T. The photocatalysts were prepared by modifying the surface of commercial TiO2 particles with naturally produced ZnS, using sulfide species produced by sulfate-reducing bacteria and metal contaminated wastewaters. Comparative studies using powder X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM), prior and after photodegradation, were carried out in order to monitor possible structural and morphological changes on the particles. Adsorption properties and specific areas were determined by the Brunauer-Emmet-Teller (BET) method. The final solutions were characterized by UV-Vis and chemical oxygen demand (COD) content in order to determine Safranin-T concentration and toxicity. The influence of the catalyst amount, initial pH and dye concentration was also evaluated. Finally, the efficiency of the precipitates as catalysts in sunlight-mediated photodegradation was investigated, performing two scale experiments by using different volumes of dye-contaminated water (150 mL and 10 L). All tested composites showed potential to be used as photocatalysts for the degradation of Safranin-T, although the ZnS-TiO2_0.06 composite (0.06 g of TiO2 per 50 mL of the zinc solution) was the most effective. This substantiates the applicability of these biologically obtained materials as efficient photocatalysts for the degradation of organic pollutants, in laboratorial conditions and under direct sunlight.

Aggregation-induced preparation of ultrastable zinc sulfide colloidal nanospheres and their photocatalytic degradation of multiple organic dyes

By utilizing an in situ aggregation strategy, we prepared medium-sized ZnS nanospheres with excellent colloidal stability, which demonstrated a size-dependent photocatalytic performance toward the photodegradation of a single dye and binary mixed dyes.

Optical properties of metal-molybdenum disulfide hybrid nanosheets and their application for enhanced photocatalytic hydrogen evolution

Limited control over charge recombination between photogenerated charge carriers largely hinders the progress in photocatalysis. Here, we introduce metal nanoparticles (Cr, Ag) to the surface of MoS2 nanosheets by simple synthetic means creating a hybrid metal-MoS2 nanosheet system with well-defined metal/semiconductor interfaces. We demonstrate that this hybrid nanosheet structure is capable of decoupling light absorption, primarily in MoS2, and carrier separation, across the metal-MoS2 heterostructure leading to drastic quenching of recombination between photogenerated carriers in MoS2, as proven by absorptance, photoluminescence, and ultrafast pump-probe spectroscopy. The photocatalytic activity in the hybrid system is also improved, which further shows excellent stability against photocorrosion.