Wide-spectrum-responsive MoS2/WS2 decorated Al-MOF nanohybrid with dual S-scheme heterojunction in facilitating sonophotocatalytic tetracycline abatement and pharmaceutical effluent treatment

The work investigates the application of a MoS₂/WS₂ decorated Al-MOF nanocomposite for the degradation of tetracycline (TC) in water by sonophotocatalysis. The nanocomposite revealed a dual S-scheme heterojunction that has a broad-spectrum response, resulting in a better efficiency for the degradation of TC (97%). The synergy index during sonophotocatalysis was measured to be 2.79. Moreover, the nanocomposite was effectively used to actively regulate the concentration of TC (73.2%) and other pollutants in pharmaceutical wastewater. An extensive analysis was performed to examine the impact of various significant parameters, including pH, catalyst dosage, TC concentration, and others. Sonophotocatalysis outperforms both sonocatalysis and photocatalysis, exhibiting pseudo-first-order kinetics. The improved performance can be credited to the formation of a dual S-scheme heterojunction, which facilitates the efficient transfer and separation of charge carriers that are stimulated by visible light exposure. Furthermore, the nanocomposite exhibited exceptional stability and demonstrated significant potential for being reused. The results suggest that the MoS₂/WS₂ decorated Al-MOF nanocomposite shows promise as a feasible choice for efficient and eco-friendly water treatment processes.