Enhanced sorption and reduction of Cr(VI) by the flowerlike nanocomposites combined with molybdenum disulphide and polypyrrole

Developing high-performance adsorbent for hexavalent chromium (Cr(VI)) elimination presents an enticing prospect in environmental remediation. Herein, three-dimensional flowerlike nanospheres composed of molybdenum disulphide and polypyrrole (MoS2@PPy) were successfully prepared via a one-pot hydrothermal and subsequent carbothermal reduction process for the removal of Cr(VI). The effects of pH, adsorbent dosage, co-existing ions, initial Cr(VI) concentration and temperature were investigated systematically by batch experiments. Benefiting from the incorporation of MoS2, the obtained MoS2@PPy composites showed a dramatic increase of specific surface area (149.82 m2·g−1) and adsorption capacity (230.97 mg·g−1) when compared with the pure PPy nanoparticles. Based on the thermodynamics study and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy analyses, the removal process of Cr(VI) was proved to be exothermic and spontaneous, and accessible under-coordinated Mo(IV) and pyrrolic N groups coupled with redox reactions were conducive to the efficient removal of Cr(VI). Attractively, the MoS2@PPy acted as the electron donor could also activate peroxymonosulphate for the efficient degradation of organic contaminants. These results suggested that the MoS2@PPy was promising in Cr(VI) elimination and other kinds of organic pollutants removal in wastewater.