Nickel nanoparticle-activated MoS₂ for efficient visible light photocatalytic hydrogen evolution

Direct sunlight-induced water splitting for photocatalytic hydrogen evolution is the dream for an ultimate clean energy source. So far, typical photocatalysts require complicated synthetic processes and barely work without additives or electrolytes. Here, we report the realization of a hydrogen evolution strategy with a novel Ni-Ag-MoS₂ ternary nanocatalyst under visible/sun light. Synthesized through an ultrasound-assisted wet method, the composite exhibits stable catalytic activity for long-term hydrogen production from both pure and natural water. A high efficiency of 73 μmol g^-1 W^-1 h^-1 is achieved with only a visible light source and the (MoS₂)₈₄Ag₁₀Ni₆ catalyst, matching the values of present additive-enriched photocatalysts. Verified by experimental characterizations and first-principles calculations, the enhanced photocatalytic ability is attributed to effective charge migration through the dangling bonds at the Ni-Ag-MoS₂ alloy interface and the activation of the MoS₂ basal planes.