Multifunctional MoS₂@g-C₃N₄ Nanocomposites for Dual-Mechanism Removal of Drug Molecules and Azo Dyes

This work examined the simple synthesis of a multifunctional nanomaterial based on MoS₂ and g-C₃N₄ nanosheets (NSs) combination for the dual, adsorption-based and photocatalytic degradation-based removal of Rhodamine B (RhB), sildenafil citrate (SLD), and fluoxetine (FLX) from water. The study intended to identify the best ratio of MoS₂ to g-C₃N₄ to obtain the best adsorption and photocatalytic performances; therefore, the MoS₂@g-C₃N₄ nanocomposites were synthesized with four different ratios of MoS₂ NSs and g-C₃N₄ NSs, then characterized with FT-IR, XRD, and SEM techniques. Consequently, MoS₂ to g-C₃N₄ (3) was identified to be the most effective nanomaterial with outstanding adsorption and photocatalyst abilities. The specifically optimized nanocomposite was further experimented with for SLD and FLX removal, demonstrating high efficiency regarding all pollutants with the highest adsorption percentage at pH 4.0 for RhB, pH 8.0 for SLD, and pH 9.0 for FLX, respectively. A higher photocatalytic degradation rate was realized under UV light with complete decolorization of RhB in 300 min and SLD in 210 min. Thus, the outstanding adsorption and photocatalytic ability of the MoS₂@g-C₃N₄ (3) nanocomposite material point toward the fact that it may be used to treat a wide range of environmental pollutants.