Two-dimensional MoS2 lattice constrained Cu(I) enables high activity and superior stability in visible-light-assisted peroxymonosulfate activation

Abstract

Supported Cu catalysts with high activity and stability for peroxymonosulfate (PMS) activation are highly demanded but challenging to realize. Herein, synthesis of MoS2 nanosheets with lattice constrained Cu(I) (Cu-MoS2) and their behaviors in PMS activation under dark and visible light are reported. The one-step hydrothermal method is essential to create Cu(I) in the MoS2 lattice. The 0.05Cu-MoS2 material shows excellent performance in carbamazepine degradation via photocatalytic PMS activation. It exhibits a superior stability with the Cu(I) sites perfectly preserved assisted with visible light under both batch and flow conditions. SO4•−, 1O2 and hVB+ are the major reactive species and the PMS activation mechanism is proposed. Cu(I) can promote PMS activation and the formed Cu(II) can be reduced back to Cu(I) by photo-generated electrons from MoS2. This work provides understanding on supported Cu catalysts in PMS activation and the robust Cu-MoS2 material has promising potential for wastewater treatment.