Enhanced photo-Fenton degradation of contaminants in a wide pH range via synergistic interaction between 1T and 2H MoS₂ and copolymer tea polyphenols/polypyrrole

In this study, we present the successful development of a unique photo-Fenton catalyst, 1T-2H MoS2@TP/PPy (MTP), achieved through the coating of a copolymer of tea polyphenol (TP) and polypyrrole (PPy) onto the surface of heterophase molybdenum disulfide (1T-2H MoS2). This innovative approach involves the integration of hydrothermal synthesis with copolymerization techniques. Our strategy utilizes nanoflower-like 1T-2H MoS2 as the foundational framework, which is then enveloped in TP and PPy copolymer. This innovative approach involves the integration of hydrothermal synthesis with copolymerization techniques. Our strategy utilizes nanoflower-like 1T-2H MoS2 as the foundational framework, which is then enveloped in TP and PPy copolymer. This distinctive architecture demonstrates exceptional catalytic performance owing to the hetero-phase entanglement of 1T-2H MoS2, which provides a diverse array of active sites. The coupled structure of TP and iron (TP-Fe2+/Fe3+) effectively overcome the limitation associated with the iron source. The incorporation of PPy not only reduces the recombination of photogenerated electron-hole pairs but also enhances the stability of 1T-2H MoS2. Remarkably, our experiments on the degradation of methylene blue (MB) and tetracycline (TC) degradation demonstrate that TP-Fe2+/Fe3+ significantly expands the pH applicability range of the MTP composite catalyst. Additionally, we examine several factors, including different catalysts, H2O2 addition, variations in light intensity, solution pH, temperature fluctuations, and the role of active species, to comprehensively understand their impact on the photo-Fenton degradation process. In conclusion, MTP composite exhibits robust catalytic stability and demonstrates a broad pH utilization range in the photo-Fenton oxidation process, highlighting its promising potential for a wide range of applications.