Integrating gC3N4 nanosheet with MoS2 and ZnO-Ag: Remarkably enhanced photocatalytic performance under visible-light irradiation

In this work, the highly efficient novel gC3N4:MoS2:ZnO-Ag hybrid nanocomposite was successfully made by a simple hydrothermal technique. The structural, morphological, chemical composition, specific surface area and optical properties of as-prepared gC3N4:MoS2:ZnO-Ag hybrid nanocomposite was investigated by different characterization tools such as XRD, FT-IR, FE-SEM, HR-TEM with SAED pattern, high-resolution XPS, UV-Vis. DRS absorption, PL spectra, and BET analyses respectively. The photo-degradation efficiency of as-prepared gC3N4:MoS2:ZnO-Ag photocatalyst over aqueous MB dye degradation was evaluated under visible-light irradiation. The ternary gC3N4:MoS2:ZnO-Ag composite photocatalysts exhibit photocatalytic upgrading activity (95.29%), which is very high compared to other as-prepared samples. Also, the gC3N4:MoS2:ZnO-Ag hybrid photocatalysts showed excellent degradation activity and excellent cycling stability even after four successive recycles. Moreover, the higher photocatalytic performance of the gC3N4:MoS2:ZnO-Ag catalyst might be attributed to the increased visible-light absorption ability, lower bandgap values, and efficient charge separation also the migration properties respectively. [Display omitted] •Novel gC3N4:MoS2:ZnO-Ag nanocomposite were prepared by the hydrothermal method.•The ternary composite photocatalysts having good visible-light active photocatalysts.•Degradation rate was 4.58 folds highest than to pure gC3N4 catalyst sample.•Good cycling stability and durability was confirmed by consecutive recycle tests.•A possible photo-degradation charge pathway was also discussed.