An asymmetrically tipped MoS₂/CdS heterostructure for high-performance photocatalytic plastic reforming

Photoreforming plastic waste into valuable chemicals while simultaneously splitting water to produce hydrogen (H₂) under mild conditions presents a sustainable strategy to address environmental issues and generate solar fuels. Herein, we report a MoS₂/CdS heterojunction photocatalyst synthesized <i>via</i> a one-pot solvothermal method for plastic reforming and H₂ production. The strong Mo-S-Cd interaction at the interface creates a robust internal electric field (IEF), which promotes efficient charge carrier separation. The macroscopic asymmetry of tipping growth of MoS₂ on one end of CdS nanorods further promotes imbalanced charge carriers' distribution and increased charge population. As a result, the IEF and structural asymmetry ensure electron migration from MoS₂ to CdS for proton reduction to yield H₂, leaving oxidative holes in MoS₂ to drive poly(lactic) acid (PLA) reforming. Under visible light irradiation, the catalyst achieved a high H₂ production rate of 97.7 mmol g^-1 h^-1 without using cocatalysts or sacrificial agents. Concurrently, MoS₂/CdS converted PLA into lactate and pyruvate. This dual-function catalyst demonstrates exceptional promise for sustainable H₂ production and plastic waste upcycling.