2D MoS2 nanosheets supported CoFe2O4 nanoparticles mediated persulfate activation for antibiotic removal

Advanced oxidation technology based on persulfate activation has caused extensive concern in the field of wastewater treatment. Nevertheless, this new technology is limited to the low catalytic efficiency and poor recovery of powder catalysts. Herein, we successfully synthesized MoS2 surface-supported CoFe2O4 nanoparticles composite catalyst employing a simple hydrothermal method. Compared with other systems, the performance of TC degradation was significantly improved by CoFe2O4/MoS2/PS system. Additionally, the influence of solution pH, catalyst dosage, PS dosage, and co-existing ions on the degradation process were studied. Both free radical (O2•−, •OH, SO4•−) and non-free radical (1O2) pathways coexisted in the catalytic degradation of TC on the account of radicals quenching experiments and electron spin resonance (ESR) technique. Additionally, the degradation pollutants were confirmed to display obvious decrease in toxicity based on microbial toxicology tests. Besides, CoFe2O4/MoS2 nanocomposite displays good magnetic recovery performance due to the introduction of CoFe2O4. In summary, this research provides a solid foundation for the application of magnetic CoFe2O4/MoS2 nanocomposite in the treatment of antibiotic wastewater.