Facile solvothermal approach to design synergetic effect between the BiVO4 and TiS2 to boost up the Z-scheme photocatalytic performance for water treatment and hydrogen production

An innovative and economically practical method was developed to create unique BiVO4/TiS2 structures in an ecologically friendly way. Novel BiVO4/TiS2 composites are created by combining as synthesized BiVO4 and freshly prepared titanium disulfide (TiS2). The BiVO4/TiS2 composites were thoroughly evaluated to investigate their physical, optical, morphological, and photochemical characteristics. Pure BiVO4 material, TiS2 nanostructures, and BiVO4/TiS2 nanocomposites were evaluated for their photocatalytic capabilities by observing the deterioration of MB beneath natural solar irradiation. The BiVO4/TiS2@50 % composite exhibited highly improved sunlight-striving photocatalytic activities. The cycle stability of the as-produced BiVO4/TiS2@50 % photocatalyst material and active species effects that areparticipating in the photocatalytic coursehave also been studied. The decrease in charge recombination time and increased visible light absorption of the BiVO4/TiS2@50 % may be the causes of the enriched photocatalytic activity. A thorough examination encompassing empirical evidence and theoretical computations, culminated in developing a Z scheme photocatalytic mechanism. The results obtained from repeated cycling experiments and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy provided additional support for this mechanism. Furthermore, after five consecutive cycles, BiVO4/TiS2@50 % photocatalyst sample exhibited commendable stability in an aqueous environment. Utilizing a highly efficient photocatalyst material (BiVO4/TiS2@50 %) further elucidates the degradation mechanism and scavenging effect of MB dyes. The BiVO4/TiS2@50 % photocatalyst achieved a hydrogen production rate of 15.5 mmolg- 1 h- 1 , which is higher than the single BiVO4 and TiS2 and other prepared composites. The excellent reductive and oxidative capabilities of our best material (BiVO4/TiS2@50 %) and its superior stability due to the Z scheme operation significantly enhance its potential for practical implementations in photocatalysis and hydrogen production.