Rapid Cr(VI) reduction in aqueous solution using a novel microwave-based treatment with MoS2-MnFe2O4 composite

•MoS2-MnFe2O4 was synthesized by hydrothermal method successfully.•MoS2-MnFe2O4 exhibited excellent microwave-induced catalytic activity for the reduction of Cr(VI).•A possible mechanism of Cr(VI) reduction was elucidated.•Cr(VI) reduction occurred over the conduction band of MoS2.•The loading of MoS2 was beneficial to suppress the recombination of microwave-excited electron-hole pairs.