Biocompatible synthesis of MoS2/Ag nanocomposite for enhanced photocatalytic activity via surface plasmon effects

In the current investigation, we synthesized a biocompatible MoS2/Ag nanocomposite by decorating a hollow-like MoS2 nanostructure with silver (Ag) nanoparticles through a straightforward hydrothermal method. The structural and morphological characteristics of the synthesized photocatalysts were thoroughly analyzed using a variety of techniques, including Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy, X-Ray Diffraction, Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy, Transmission Electron Microscopy, Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy, Ultraviolet-Visible spectroscopy, Photoluminescence and Raman spectroscopy. XRD analysis confirmed that both MoS2 and the MoS2/Ag nanocomposite crystallized in the expected crystalline phases. Notably, PL spectra indicated a reduction in peak intensity for the MoS2/Ag nanocomposite compared to pure MoS2, attributed to the surface plasmon resonance effects of the Ag nanoparticles. The incorporation of Ag nanoparticles into the MoS2 matrix significantly mitigated the recombination rate of charge carriers, functioning effectively as an electron sink. Furthermore, we evaluated the photocatalytic performance of the MoS2/Ag nanocomposite in the degradation of methylene blue and methyl orange dyes under UV and visible light irradiation. The results demonstrated a marked enhancement in photocatalytic efficiency for the MoS2/Ag nanocomposite, which can be ascribed to the suppression of photogenerated electron-hole pair recombination and the improved electron transport dynamics within the composite structure. This study highlights the potential of MoS2/Ag nanocomposites as effective photocatalysts for environmental remediation applications.