Outstanding performance of silver-decorated MoS₂ nanopetals used as nanocatalyst for synthetic dye degradation

Silver (Ag) decorated MoS₂ nanopetals were synthesized by adopting hydrothermal approach. MoS₂ nanopetals were doped with various concentrations (2.5, 5, 7.5, 10 wt%) of Ag and characterized using different techniques. The presence of hexagonal MoS₂ and an increase in crystallite size with the addition of Ag was confirmed through XRD. Molecular vibration and presence of characteristic peaks of Mo–O and S–O were verified with FTIR spectroscopy. Morphological features and formation of nanopetals were corroborated with FESEM and HR-TEM microscopy. Elemental composition and existence of dopant were confirmed with EDS. Raman analysis was employed to seek further evidence regarding defects densities and electronic band structure of MoS₂. Optical properties upon conjugation with Ag were analyzed with UV–vis. and PL spectroscopy. In addition, dye degradation of bare and doped samples was tested in the presence of a reducing agent (NaBH₄). These nanocatalysts show outstanding potential to remove hazardous toxins, such as synthetic dyes and tannery pollutants, from industrial effluents.