Enhanced removal of organic dyes by piezoelectric-Fenton-like treatment with Fe-MOF@MoS2 catalysts

The risks associated with dye wastewater to the ecological environment are becoming increasingly significant. The efficient utilization and effective protection of water resources have become a persistent challenge. Employing coupling technologies to enhance the wastewater treatment process is an effective strategy for achieving sustainable water resource utilization. Herein, composite catalysts with iron-based metal-organic frameworks loaded with molybdenum disulfide (Fe-MOF@MoS₂) were prepared by a hydrothermal approach. The Fe-MOF@MoS 2 composite catalysts demonstrated superior degradation efficiencies towards various organic dyes like methylene blue , rhodamine B , and Congo red, especially in conditions of low hydrogen peroxide concentration and ultrasonic vibration. Results indicated that after 30 minutes of piezoelectric-Fenton-like treatment, the removal efficiency of the above organic dyes exceeded 90 %. The piezoelectric effect led to efficient cyclic conversion of Fe 2+ /Fe 3+ ions, while the inclusion of MoS 2 enhanced H 2 O 2 activation efficiency. Moreover, the Fe-MOF@MoS 2 catalyst displayed remarkable recycling capabilities, retaining 90 % of its initial catalytic activity even after six degradation cycles. Thus, the development of composite catalysts with combined piezoelectric and Fenton-like functions holds great promise for improving organic dye wastewater treatment and safeguarding environmental and water resources. • A catalyst with piezoelectric-Fenton-like catalytic functionality was prepared. • The catalyst exhibited optimal dye removal efficiency under acidic conditions. • Complete removal of 15 mg/L MB can be achieved within 15 min by coupling catalysis. • The catalyst demonstrated excellent reusability and universal applicability.