MoSe2/montmorillonite composite nanosheets: Hydrothermal synthesis, structural characteristics, and enhanced photocatalytic activity

Abstract

MoSe2/montmorillonite composite nanosheets were successfully synthesized by a facile hydrothermal method, and the photocatalytic activities of the samples were evaluated by the decoloration of Rhodamine B. The structural characterizations indicate that the MoSe2 nanosheets grow uniformly on the surface of montmorillonite with interface interaction, and the active sites on the nanosheet edges are exposed. Montmorillonite can inhibit the agglomeration of MoSe2 nanosheets, improve the hydrophilicity and dispersibility of composites, and provides a larger surface area and more reactive sites for photocatalytic reaction. MoSe2/montmorillonite possesses the highest adsorption properties and photocatalytic abilities, and the overall decoloration rate is up to 98.2% after visible light irradiation for 45 min. The assembly of montmorillonite could enhance the photocatalytic ability of MoSe2, and the possible photocatalytic reaction mechanism of MoSe2/montmorillonite for Rhodamine B was explored. MoSe2/montmorillonite has potential applications in the photodegradation of organic dyes in the wastewater.