Self-assembly of Molybdenum Disulfide on Sodium Alginate for Enhanced Photocatalytic Hydrogen Production

Münevver Tuna Genç

doi:10.17776/csj.1838179

Self-assembly of Molybdenum Disulfide on Sodium Alginate for Enhanced Photocatalytic Hydrogen Production

Abstract

In this study, an environmentally friendly sodium alginate biopolymer matrix was used to enhance the catalytic performance and reaction stability of a low-cost crystalline molybdenum disulfide catalyst. The sodium alginate/MoS₂ composite was obtained via in-situ self-assembly method due to the physical interaction between the biopolymer and the catalyst under a photocatalytic hydrogen evolution reaction. XPS analysis performed before the photocatalytic hydrogen evolution reactions. FT-IR, SEM and EDX analysis performed before and after the photocatalytic reaction to confirm sodium alginate/MoS₂ structure. In-situ self-assembly of the MoS₂ catalyst onto sodium alginate was observed to increase hydrogen production by ∼9-fold compared to the pure MoS₂ catalyst. In this case, the sodium alginate biopolymer provides an adsorption surface for the catalyst, increasing the active surface area and decreasing the recombination rate of electron and holes, result in increasing photocatalytic hydrogen production. This study is expected to provide a new perspective on catalytic H₂ production studies.

Keywords

Molybdenum disulfide, Photocatalytic hydrogen evolution, Self-assembly, Sodium alginate

Thanks

The authors would like to thank to Prof. Dr. Imren HATAY PATIR for providing the lab facilities.

References

Osman, A. I., Elgarahy, A. M., Eltaweil, A. S., Abd El-Monaem, E. M., El-Aqapa, H. G., Park Y, Hwang, Y., Ayati, A., Farghali, M., Ihara, I. (2023). Biofuel production, hydrogen production and water remediation by photocatalysis, biocatalysis and electrocatalysis. Environmental Chemistry Letters, 21, 1315–1379. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10311-023-01581-7
Merouani, S., Hamdaoui, O. (2025). Hydrogen Production, Storage and Utilization: Thermochemical, Electrochemical, Sonochemical, Biological and Photocatalytic Processes. Walter de Gruyter GmbH & Co KG. eBook ISBN: 978-3-11-162396-2 / 978-3-11-162386-3
Liao, C. H., Huang, C. W., Wu, J. C. S. (2012) Hydrogen production from semiconductor-based photocatalysis via water splitting. Catalysts, 2, 490–516. https://doi.org/10.3390/catal2040490
Corredor, J., Rivero, M. J., Rangel, C. M , Gloaguen, F., Ortiz, I. (2019). Comprehensive review and future perspectives on the photocatalytic hydrogen production. Journal of Chemical Technology & Biotechnology, 94, 3049–3063. https://doi.org/10.1002/jctb.6123
Kitano, M., Tsujimaru, K., Anpo, M. (2008) Hydrogen production using highly active titanium oxide-based photocatalysts. Topics in Catalysis, 49, 4–17. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11244-008-9059-2
Martha, S., Sahoo, P. C., Parida, K. M. (2015). An overview on visible light responsive metal oxide based photocatalysts for hydrogen energy production. RSC Adv, 5, 61535–61553. https://doi.org/10.1039/C5RA11682A
Sharma, R., Almáši, M., Nehra, S. P., Rao, V. S., Panchal, P., Paul, D. R., et al. (2022). Photocatalytic hydrogen production using graphitic carbon nitride (GCN): A precise review. Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, 168, 112776. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rser.2022.112776
Dong, J., Wang, M., Li, X., Chen, L., He, Y., Sun, L. (2012). Simple Nickel‐Based Catalyst Systems Combined With Graphitic Carbon Nitride for Stable Photocatalytic Hydrogen Production in Water. ChemSusChem, 5, 2133–2138. https://doi.org/10.1002/cssc.201200490
Zaman, J., Chakma, A. (1995). Production of hydrogen and sulfur from hydrogen sulfide. Fuel Processing Technology, 41, 159–198. https://doi.org/10.1016/0378-3820(94)00085-8
Kumaravel, V., Imam, M. D., Badreldin, A., Chava, R. K., Do, J. Y., Kang, M., Abdel-Wahab, A. (2019) Photocatalytic hydrogen production: role of sacrificial reagents on the activity of oxide, carbon, and sulfide catalysts. Catalysts, 9, 276. https://doi.org/10.3390/catal9030276

An, J., Qu, Y., Wang, G. (2024). The multiple roles of rare earth elements in the field of photocatalysis. Inorganic Chemistry Frontiers, 11, 11–28. https://doi.org/10.1039/D3QI02006A
Mandari, K. K., Police, A. K. R., Do, J. Y., Kang, M., Byon, C. (2018). Rare earth metal Gd influenced defect sites in N doped TiO2: Defect mediated improved charge transfer for enhanced photocatalytic hydrogen production. International Journal of Hydrogen Energy, 43, 2073–2082. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijhydene.2017.12.050
Soares, D. M., Mukherjee, S., Singh, G. (2020). TMDs beyond MoS2 for electrochemical energy storage. Chemistry–A European Journal, 26, 6320–6341. https://doi.org/10.1002/chem.202000147
Fu, Q., Han, J., Wang, X., Xu, P., Yao, T., Zhong, J., et al. (2021). 2D transition metal dichalcogenides: design, modulation, and challenges in electrocatalysis. Advanced Materials, 33, 1907818. https://doi.org/10.1002/adma.201907818
Demir, N., Atacan, K., Ozmen, M., Bas, S. Z. (2020). Design of a new electrochemical sensing system based on MoS 2–TiO 2/reduced graphene oxide nanocomposite for the detection of paracetamol. New Journal of Chemistry, 44, 11759–11767. https://doi.org/10.1039/D0NJ02298E
Atacan, K., Güy, N., Özacar, M. (2022). Preparation of gold decorated MoS2/NiO nanocomposite in the production of a new electrochemical sensor for ascorbic acid detection. Korean Journal of Chemical Engineering, 39, 2172–2181. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11814-021-1039-2
Yuan, Y., Lu, H., Yu, Z., Zou, Z. (2015). Noble‐metal‐free molybdenum disulfide cocatalyst for photocatalytic hydrogen production. ChemSusChem, 8, 4113–4127. https://doi.org/10.1002/cssc.201501203
Duan, X., Wang, C., Pan, A., Yu, R., Duan, X. (2015). Two-dimensional transition metal dichalcogenides as atomically thin semiconductors: opportunities and challenges. Chemical Society Reviews, 44, 8859–8876. https://doi.org/10.1039/C5CS00507H
Liu, Z., Gao, Z., Liu, Y., Xia, M., Wang, R., Li, N. (2017). Heterogeneous nanostructure based on 1T-phase MoS2 for enhanced electrocatalytic hydrogen evolution. ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces, 9, 25291–25297. https://doi.org/10.1021/acsami.7b05775
Li, Y., Yin, K., Wang, L., Lu, X., Zhang, Y., Liu, Y., et al. (2018). Engineering MoS2 nanomesh with holes and lattice defects for highly active hydrogen evolution reaction. Applied Catalysis B: Environmental, 239, 537–544. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apcatb.2018.05.080
Liang, Z., Xue, Y., Wang, X., Zhou, Y., Zhang, X., Cui, H., et al. (2021). Co doped MoS2 as cocatalyst considerably improved photocatalytic hydrogen evolution of g-C3N4 in an alkalescent environment. Chemical Engineering Journal, 421, 130016. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cej.2021.130016
Zong, X., Yan, H., Wu, G., Ma, G., Wen, F., Wang, L., et al. (2008). Enhancement of photocatalytic H2 evolution on CdS by loading MoS2 as cocatalyst under visible light irradiation. Journal of the American Chemical Society, 130, 7176–7177. https://doi.org/10.1021/ja8007825
Zhang, Z., Huang, L., Zhang, J., Wang, F., Xie, Y., Shang, X., et al. (2018). In situ constructing interfacial contact MoS2/ZnIn2S4 heterostructure for enhancing solar photocatalytic hydrogen evolution. Applied Catalysis B: Environmental, 233, 112–119. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apcatb.2018.04.006
Genç, M. T., Sarılmaz, A., Aslan, E., Özel, F., Patır, İ. H. (2025). Photocatalytic hydrogen evolution from ZnO-loaded carbon nanotube. Eurasian Journal of Biological and Chemical Sciences ,8, 18–24. https://doi.org/10.46239/ejbcs.1566783
Juhola, R. (2024). Upcycling of biomass waste into value added materials: catalysts and adsorbents for bisphenol A removal from wastewaters. Doctoral thesis, University of Oulu Graduate School, Faculty of Technology, Sustainable Chemistry.
Yang, H., Yang, B., Chen, W., Yang, J. (2022). Preparation and photocatalytic activities of TiO2-based composite catalysts. Catalysts, 12, 1263. https://doi.org/10.3390/catal12101263
Genc, M. T., Sarilmaz, A., Aslan, E., Ozel, F., Potrich, C., Ersoz, M., Patir, I. H. (2025). Biopolymer supported silicon carbide for enhanced photocatalytic hydrogen evolution reaction. Chemical Engineering Science, 316, 122019. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ces.2025.122019
Genc, M. T., Sarilmaz, A., Aslan, E., Ozel, F., Patir, I. H. (2024). Biotemplated silicon carbide-loaded ytterbium oxide: Effective catalyst for photocatalytic hydrogen evolution reactions. Molecular Catalysis, 556, 113915. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.mcat.2024.113915
Sarkar, A., Chaule, S., Mandal, S., Saha, S., Ganguly, S., Banerjee, D., Kargupta, K. (2023). Enhanced photocatalytic Hydrogen generation by splitting water using Sodium Alginate decorated rGO-CdS hybrid photo-catalyst. Materials Today: Proceedings, 76, A1–A8. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.matpr.2023.02.095
Li, D., Zeng, G., Wu, Y., Zhou, Z., Guo, W., Li, C. (2023). Au induced in-situ formation of ultra-stable 1T-MoS2 on polymeric carbon nitride toward promoted photocatalytic hydrogen production. International Journal of Hydrogen Energy, 48, 34363–34369. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijhydene.2023.05.237
Pramanik, M., Sinha, P., Singha, A., Das, K. (2025). Plasmon-enhanced self-powered MoS2 photodetector via in-situ silver nanoparticle integration for real-time optical communication. Nanotechnology, 36, 355201. https://doi.org/10.1088/1361-6528/adfd65
Williams, N. B. (2023). Surface Reorganization of Electrochemical Catalysts Under Near-Neutral Conditions. San Diego State University.
Mollah, M. Z. I., Faruque, M. R. I., Bradley, D. A., Khandaker, M. U., Al Assaf, S. (2023). FTIR and rheology study of alginate samples: Effect of radiation. Radiation Physics and Chemistry, 202, 110500. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.radphyschem.2022.110500
Sirajudheen, P., Vigneshwaran, S., Kasim, V. C. R., Basheer, M. C., Meenakshi, S. (2023). Mechanistic view of MoS2 confined chitosan-polyaniline hybrid composite for the photo-oxidation of cationic dyes. International Journal of Biological Macromolocules, 249, 126008. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijbiomac.023.126008
Rajeswari, R., Thanikaikarasan, S., Prakash, N., Karthi, P., Mukkannan, A. (2026). MoS2-infused cellulose acetate films for enhanced photodegradation of pharmaceutical pollutants. Journal of Polymer Research, 33, 93. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10965-026-04818-5
Sirajudheen, P., Vigneshwaran, S., Thomas, N., Selvaraj, M., Venkatesan, K., Park, C. M. (2024). Fabrication of MoS2 restrained magnetic chitosan polysaccharide composite for the photocatalytic degradation of organic dyes. Carbohydrate Polymers, 335, 122071. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.carbpol.2024.122071
Mukheem, A., Shahabuddin, S., Akbar, N., Anwar, A., Sarih, N. M., Sudesh, K., et al. (2020). Fabrication of biopolymer polyhydroxyalkanoate/chitosan and 2D molybdenum disulfide–doped scaffolds for antibacterial and biomedical applications. Applied Microbiology and Biotechnolgy, 104, 3121–3131. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00253-020-10416-2
Liu, S., Lou, H., Luo, J., Albashir, D., Shi, Y., Chen, Q. (2025). A novel in situ biosynthesized bacterial cellulose/MoS2/TiO2 composite film for efficient removal of dyes and pathogenic bacteria from industrial wastewater under sunlight illumination. ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces, 17, 19543–19561. https://doi.org/10.1021/acsami.4c21052
Zhu, Y., Ling, Q., Liu, Y., Wang, H., Zhu, Y. (2015). Photocatalytic H 2 evolution on MoS 2–TiO 2 catalysts synthesized via mechanochemistry. Physical Chemistry Chemical Physics, 17, 933–940. https://doi.org/10.1039/C4CP04628E
Yuan, Y. J., Shen, Z., Wu, S., Su, Y., Pei, L., Ji, Z., et al. (2019). Liquid exfoliation of g-C3N4 nanosheets to construct 2D-2D MoS2/g-C3N4 photocatalyst for enhanced photocatalytic H2 production activity. Applied Catalysis B, 246, 120–128. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apcatb.2019.01.043
Goud, B. S., Koyyada, G., Jung, J. H., Reddy, G. R., Shim, J., Nam, N. D. (2020). Surface oxygen vacancy facilitated Z-scheme MoS2/Bi2O3 heterojunction for enhanced visible-light driven photocatalysis-pollutant degradation and hydrogen production. International Journal of Hydrogen Energy, 45, 18961–18975. https://doi.org/10.1016/J.IJHYDENE.2020.05.073
Li, L. L., Yin, X. L., Pang, D. H., Du, X. X., Xue, H., Zhou, H. W., et al. (2019). One-pot synthesis of MoS2/CdS nanosphere heterostructures for efficient H2 evolution under visible light irradiation. International Journal of Hydrogen Energy, 44, 31930–31939. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijhydene.019.10.056
Lin, L., Huang, S., Zhu, Y., Du, B., Zhang, Z., Chen, C., et al. (2019). Construction of CdS/MoS 2 heterojunction from core–shell MoS 2@ Cd-MOF for efficient photocatalytic hydrogen evolution. Dalton Transactions, 48, 2715–2721. https://doi.org/10.1039/C8DT04745F
Swain, G., Sultana, S., Parida, K. (2020). Constructing a novel surfactant-free MoS2 nanosheet modified MgIn2S4 marigold microflower: an efficient visible-light driven 2D-2D pn heterojunction photocatalyst toward HER and pH regulated NRR. ACS Sustainable Chemistry & Engineering, 8, 4848–4862. https://doi.org/10.1021/acssuschemeng.9b07821
Zhang, Z., Huang, L., Zhang, J., Wang, F., Xie, Y., Shang, X., et al. (2018). In situ constructing interfacial contact MoS2/ZnIn2S4 heterostructure for enhancing solar photocatalytic hydrogen evolution. Applied Catalysis B: Environmental, 233, 112–119. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apcatb.2018.04.006
Chava, R. K., Do, J. Y., Kang, M. (2018). Smart hybridization of Au coupled CdS nanorods with few layered MoS2 nanosheets for high performance photocatalytic hydrogen evolution reaction. ACS Sustainable Chemistry & Engineering, 6, 6445–6457. https://doi.org/10.1021/acssuschemeng.8b00249
Guo, S., Li, X., Zhu, J., Tong, T., Wei, B. (2016). Au NPs@ MoS2 sub‐micrometer sphere‐ZnO nanorod hybrid structures for efficient photocatalytic hydrogen evolution with excellent stability. Small, 12, 5692–5701. https://doi.org/10.1002/smll.201602122
Yanalak, G., Yılmaz, S., Eroglu, Z., Aslan, E., Metin, O., Patir, I. H. (2022). Transition metal (Ni, co)‐doped graphitic carbon nitride/MoS2 heterojunctions as efficient photocatalysts for hydrogen evolution reaction under visible light. International Journal of Energy Research, 46, 17189–17203. https://doi.org/10.1002/er.8382
Jiang, R., Xiao, M., Zhu, H. Y., Zhao, D. X., Zang, X., Fu, Y. Q., et al. (2024). Sustainable chitosan-based materials as heterogeneous catalyst for application in wastewater treatment and water purification: an up-to-date review. International Journal of Biological Macromolecules, 273, 133043. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2024.133043

Details

Primary Language

English

Subjects

Photochemistry

Journal Section

Research Article

Authors

Münevver Tuna Genç ^*
0000-0002-2086-9147
Türkiye

Publication Date

June 29, 2026

Submission Date

December 8, 2025

Acceptance Date

June 3, 2026

Published in Issue

Year 2026 Volume: 47 Number: 3

DOI

https://doi.org/10.17776/csj.1838179

IZ

https://izlik.org/JA68PW28XD

APA

Tuna Genç, M. (2026). Self-assembly of Molybdenum Disulfide on Sodium Alginate for Enhanced Photocatalytic Hydrogen Production. Cumhuriyet Science Journal, 47(3), 514-521. https://doi.org/10.17776/csj.1838179

AMA

1.Tuna Genç M. Self-assembly of Molybdenum Disulfide on Sodium Alginate for Enhanced Photocatalytic Hydrogen Production. CSJ. 2026;47(3):514-521. doi:10.17776/csj.1838179

Chicago

Tuna Genç, Münevver. 2026. “Self-Assembly of Molybdenum Disulfide on Sodium Alginate for Enhanced Photocatalytic Hydrogen Production”. Cumhuriyet Science Journal 47 (3): 514-21. https://doi.org/10.17776/csj.1838179.

EndNote

Tuna Genç M (June 1, 2026) Self-assembly of Molybdenum Disulfide on Sodium Alginate for Enhanced Photocatalytic Hydrogen Production. Cumhuriyet Science Journal 47 3 514–521.

IEEE

[1]M. Tuna Genç, “Self-assembly of Molybdenum Disulfide on Sodium Alginate for Enhanced Photocatalytic Hydrogen Production”, CSJ, vol. 47, no. 3, pp. 514–521, June 2026, doi: 10.17776/csj.1838179.

ISNAD

Tuna Genç, Münevver. “Self-Assembly of Molybdenum Disulfide on Sodium Alginate for Enhanced Photocatalytic Hydrogen Production”. Cumhuriyet Science Journal 47/3 (June 1, 2026): 514-521. https://doi.org/10.17776/csj.1838179.

JAMA

1.Tuna Genç M. Self-assembly of Molybdenum Disulfide on Sodium Alginate for Enhanced Photocatalytic Hydrogen Production. CSJ. 2026;47:514–521.

MLA

Tuna Genç, Münevver. “Self-Assembly of Molybdenum Disulfide on Sodium Alginate for Enhanced Photocatalytic Hydrogen Production”. Cumhuriyet Science Journal, vol. 47, no. 3, June 2026, pp. 514-21, doi:10.17776/csj.1838179.

Vancouver

1.Münevver Tuna Genç. Self-assembly of Molybdenum Disulfide on Sodium Alginate for Enhanced Photocatalytic Hydrogen Production. CSJ. 2026 Jun. 1;47(3):514-21. doi:10.17776/csj.1838179

As of 2026, Cumhuriyet Science Journal will be published in six issues per year, released in February, April, June, August, October, and December

Self-assembly of Molybdenum Disulfide on Sodium Alginate for Enhanced Photocatalytic Hydrogen Production

Abstract

Keywords

Thanks

References

Details

Primary Language

Subjects

Journal Section

Authors

Publication Date

Submission Date

Acceptance Date

Published in Issue

DOI

IZ

Cite