Efficient visible-light-driven hydrogen evolution with MoS₂/TiO₂ heterojunction photoanodes on porous stainless steel mesh

In this study, a MoS₂/TiO₂ composite photoanode was fabricated on an SSM substrate via sputtering and hydrothermal synthesis, forming an efficient heterojunction structure to enhance photoelectrochemical (PEC) performances. Structural and optical characterizations confirmed the successful integration of MoS₂ and TiO₂, leading to enhanced visible light absorption, improved charge transport, and increased catalytic activity. Photoelectrochemical measurements revealed a photocurrent density of 102.21 μA/cm² at 0.91 V_RHE, a 15.4 % improvement over TiO₂/SSM, along with a 53.7 % increase in applied-bias photon-to-current efficiency (ABPE). Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy indicates a significantly reduction in charge transfer resistance, and hydrogen generation tests showed a 2.7-fold increase compared to TiO₂/SSM. These results highlight the synergistic effects of MoS₂ and TiO₂ combined with the structural advantages of SSM, providing a promising strategy for efficient solar-driven hydrogen production.