Core-shell MoS2 nanosheet-bonded carbon nanotubes through dispersant molecules for enhanced photoelectrical and photocatalytic performances

Two-dimension (2D) semiconductor MoS2 is regarded as a potential photocatalyst due to its high optical absorption and surface area. However, poor charge separation process hinders its performance. To resolve this problem, herein, various dispersants, including anionic dispersant of sodium dodecyl sulphate (SDS) and cationic dispersants of polyethyleneimine (PEI) and hexadecyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB), were used to fabricate 2D/1D MoS2/carbon nanotube (MoS2/CNTs) composites through a rather facile hydrothermal process. In the presence of SDS, the in situ obtained MoS2 nanosheet-coated CNTs core-shell heterostructure exhibits the highest photocatalytic and photocurrent response among all the samples. The anionic SDS provides negative charges on the surface of CNTs and promotes the formation of strong interaction between MoS2 and the nanotubes. The formation mechanism and reasons for the property enhancement of the composites were proposed in the paper. This method holds great promise to fabricate CNTs-based hybrid materials for solar energy utilization and photoelectric sensing. [Display omitted] •Using surfactants to control the formation of core-shell MoS2/CNTs heterostructure.•Microstructure-dependent photocatalytic performance and photocurrent response.•Photocatalytic activity of core-shell MoS2/CNTs-SDS composite is enhanced 2.5–37-fold.•MoS2/CNTs-SDS composite shows the highest photocurrent response of 0.091 ​mA ​cm−2.•Strong interaction at MoS2/CNTs interface is the key factor driving charge separation.