Enhanced hydrogen generation via overall water splitting using novel MoS₂-BN nanoflowers assembled TiO₂ ternary heterostructures

Envisaging headway in the applicability of sustainable H₂ energy, the novel report of the fabrication of MoS₂-BN/TiO₂ (MBT) heterogeneous nanostructures has been proposed via facile in-situ hydrothermal route with an aim to propound the superior substitute of noble metal based conventionally employed catalytic system to surmount their exorbitant cost. We inferred the ascendancy of MoS₂-BN nanoflowers over pristine MoS₂ counterpart in an establishment of TiO₂ based heterostructured catalysis. MBT heterostrucutres were extensively scrutinized with respect to their structural, optoelectronic and computational characteristics. En route to enhanced H₂ evolution, we have investigated the significance of interfacial junctions and exposed sites in the MBT heterostructures. In order to achieve broader pertinence in green H₂ fuel, the performance of MBT heterostrucutres was ascertained with subject to photochemical, electrochemical and photo-electrochemical (PEC) water splitting. Loaded concentration of MoS₂-BN was varied in MBT catalysts and 2.5 wt% MoS₂-BN/TiO₂ exhibited optimum photocatalytic response with an H₂ production rate of 2.6 mmol/g/h with 6.94% AQY and improved photo-current response of 0.99 mA/cm² towards PEC. Electrochemical investigations further intensified the caliber of MBT as HER catalyst ascribed to the higher cathodic current density of 49.23 mA/cm² at 1.22 V potential. The advancement in the catalytic efficiency of MBT heterostructures was evidenced by the synergetic relationship between MoS₂-BN and TiO₂ which stimulated the separation and transfer of photo-charged carriers, and lowered the overpotential values consequently surging the kinetics of H₂ evolution.