Preparation of the MoS2/TiO2/HMFs ternary composite hollow microfibres with enhanced photocatalytic performance under visible light

Abstract

A novel route for synthesis of MoS2/TiO2/hollow microfibers (HMFs) ternary composite photocatalyst using sol-gel method combined with high temperature calcination under a nitrogen circumstances was reported for the first time. The morphology, structure and optical properties of the novel MoS2/TiO2/HMFs photocatalysts were fully characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (TEM), energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), specific surface area (BET) and thermogravimetric analysis (TG). The photocatalytic activities were evaluated by photodegradating Methylene blue (MB) and Rhodamine B (RB) under visible light irradiation. The results showed the MoS2/TiO2/HMFs ternary composite hollow microfibre photocatalysts had a purification of more than 98.7% for MB and RB of simulating wastewater, and acquired the superior synergistic effect of adsorption and catalysis for organic pollutants. That’s because the sensitization of MoS2 enlarged the wavelength response range to the visible region of the solar spectrum, the HMFs could beneficially increase adsorption capability for organic pollutants, and the mixed crystalline phase of TiO2 accelerated the decomposition of organic pollutant. A detailed study of involved active species unraveled the mechanism regarding photocatalysis. So, the synergistic photocatalytic effect of HMFs, TiO2 and MoS2 was very important and significant for wastewater treatment or prevention of air pollution.