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Hierarchical Cu-doped MoS2 microspheres with efficient visible-light-driven peroxymonosulfate activation for micropollutant degradation: Nanostructure engineering and reaction mechanism

Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: Transition metal doping and nanostructure engineering are effective strategies for addressing the limitations of photocatalysts in peroxomonosulfate (PMS) activation. In this study, Cu doped MoS2 with a hierarchical microspheric architecture was synthesized via a one-step hydrothermal method and utilized for the degradation of tetracycline (TC) through activated PMS. Under visible light irradiation, the Cu0.06-MoS2 catalyst achieved a TC removal efficiency of 86.2% within 40 min, 2.3-fold higher than that of pristine MoS2. The effects of operation parameters including the initial PMS concentration, reaction temperature, solution pH, and coexisting inorganic anions on the degradation efficiency of TC were thoroughly investigated. Characterization results and theoretical calculation demonstrated that the redox cycles of Cu2+/Cu+ and Mo6+/Mo4+, as well as the 3D microspheric structure of Cu0.06-MoS2, support its ultra-high charge transfer capability and abundant exposure of active sites, thereby promoting the photocatalytic activation of PMS for TC degradation. Reactive species quenching experiments and EPR results revealed that ·O2−, •OH, and SO4•− were the main reactive oxidation species involved in TC degradation. This study provides a new direction for efficient micropollutant degradation utilizing transition metals modified sulfides photocatalysts with a 3D architecture structure.
DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2025.121205
Authors: Bao Pan, Ge Jin, Wen Chen, Jiani Qin, Fei Li, Chuanyi Wang
Language: English
Open Access status: hybrid
Estimated APC paid: $3,880
OpenAlex ID: W4407850937
FWCI: 12.43
Cites: 47
Cited by: 49
Related to: 10