Preparation of the MoS₂/TiO₂/HMFs ternary composite hollow microfibres with enhanced photocatalytic performance under visible light

A novel route for synthesis of MoS₂/TiO₂/hollow microfibers (HMFs) ternary composite photocatalyst using sol-gel method combined with high temperature calcination under a nitrogen circumstances was reported for the first time. The morphology, structure and optical properties of the novel MoS₂/TiO₂/HMFs photocatalysts were fully characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (TEM), energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), specific surface area (BET) and thermogravimetric analysis (TG). The photocatalytic activities were evaluated by photodegradating Methylene blue (MB) and Rhodamine B (RB) under visible light irradiation. The results showed the MoS₂/TiO₂/HMFs ternary composite hollow microfibre photocatalysts had a purification of more than 98.7% for MB and RB of simulating wastewater, and acquired the superior synergistic effect of adsorption and catalysis for organic pollutants. That's because the sensitization of MoS₂ enlarged the wavelength response range to the visible region of the solar spectrum, the HMFs could beneficially increase adsorption capability for organic pollutants, and the mixed crystalline phase of TiO₂ accelerated the decomposition of organic pollutant. A detailed study of involved active species unraveled the mechanism regarding photocatalysis. So, the synergistic photocatalytic effect of HMFs, TiO₂ and MoS₂ was very important and significant for wastewater treatment or prevention of air pollution.