Synthesis, characterization and photocatalytic performances of Cu2MoS4

A novel visible-light-driven Cu2MoS4 photocatalyst was prepared by a facile hydrothermal method using Ammonium Tetrathiomolybdate reacting with cuprous chloride in aqua ammonia. The synthetic catalysts were characterized by XRD, UV–vis spectra, XRF and SEM techniques. The influence of the reaction temperature and time on the activities of the catalysts and the morphology of particles was investigated. The results showed that the catalysts exhibited strong absorption in visible light region. It was found that the photocatalyst prepared under hydrothermal condition at 140 °C for about 24 h showed good crystallinity with regular shape, and the highest activity for hydrogen production under visible light irradiation in an aqueous Na2S–Na2SO3 solution. The reason for its better performance has been discussed in detail.