Enhanced photocatalytic and SERS performance of Ag nanoparticles functionalized MoS₂ nanoflakes

We report the preparation of Ag nanoparticles functionalized MoS₂ nanoflakes by using the chemical reduction method followed by the hydrothermal method. Field emission scanning electron microscopy and elemental mapping reveals the uniform functionalization of Ag nanoparticles with MoS₂ nanoflakes. High density of Ag plasmonic nanoparticles onto MoS₂ nanoflakes demonstrates tremendously improved charge separation behavior in Ag-MoS₂ nanohybrids. Photodecomposition capability of plasmonic Ag-MoS₂ nanohybrids was explored by the decomposition of industrial pollutant molecules, showing a direct correlation between the Ag content over the MoS₂ surface with their photodecomposition ability. The SERS-based detection profiles of the plasmonic were investigated by the ultra-low detection of MB molecules. The Ag-MoS₂ nanohybrids SERS substrate manifests the detection of MB molecules solution up to a concentration of 10^-9 M with an enhancement factor of 10⁷. In the current study, we proposed and elucidated the probable efficient charge transfer mechanism for improved photocatalytic behavior and SERS-based sensing performance.