Efficient activation of peroxymonosulfate by MoSe2-based bimetallic composite selenides for the degradation of levofloxacin

BACKGROUND Antibiotic pollution in aquatic environments poses significant threats to human health and ecosystems by promoting the spread of antibiotic resistance. RESULTS This study investigates the use of MoSe 2 -based bimetallic composite selenides (MoSe 2 /CoSe 2 and MoSe 2 /MnSe) to activate peroxymonosulfate (PMS) for the oxidation of levofloxacin (LEF), a model fluoroquinolone antibiotic. The composites were synthesized via a solvothermal method and characterized using SEM, TEM, XRD, and XPS, confirming the formation of heterojunction interfaces and the presence of active metal sites. Catalytic performance tests demonstrated that MoSe 2 /CoSe 2 and MoSe 2 /MnSe significantly enhanced LEF degradation, achieving removal efficiencies of 92.98% and 89.4%, respectively, compared to 49.07% with MoSe 2 alone. Optimization of reaction parameters revealed that PMS dosage, catalyst dosage, and pH critically influence degradation efficiency. Reusability tests confirmed the catalysts' stability over multiple cycles with minimal loss in activity. Electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) and radical quenching experiments identified sulfate radicals (SO 4 •- ) as the primary active species driving LEF degradation. CONCLUSION This work provides a robust theoretical foundation for the application of SR-AOPs in wastewater treatment, highlighting the potential of MoSe 2 -based composites in mitigating antibiotic contamination. © 2025 Society of Chemical Industry (SCI).