The preparation and properties of photocatalytic composites based on palygorskite/molybdenum disulfide

The pollution problem resulting from advancements in science and technology is increasingly severe, particularly concerning organic pollution. Photocatalytic technology is considered one of the most effective methods for treating organic pollution due to its cost-effectiveness, simplicity of operation, high efficiency, and versatility. In this study, palygorskite was purified and extracted using techniques such as ultrasonication, high-speed stirring, centrifugation, and others. Molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) was synthesized in situ on the palygorskite surface through hydrothermal synthesis, resulting in palygorskite/MoS2 nanocomposites. The structure and apparent morphology of the palygorskite/MoS2 composites were analyzed using characterization methods such as transmission electron microscopy, x-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and others. MoS2 interacted with the hydroxyl groups on the palygorskite surface through amino groups, leading to the dispersion of MoS2 nanosheets on the palygorskite surface, forming a unique nanoflower structure. To assess the photocatalytic degradation performance of palygorskite/MoS2 composites, Rhodamine B was employed as the target pollutant. Under conditions of a pH of 6, a reaction time of 170 min, and a solution concentration of 1500 mg/l, palygorskite/MoS2 composites achieved a Rhodamine B removal amount of 371.73 mg/g. Notably, these composites facilitated the degradation of Rhodamine B into intermediate chain-broken products. The findings of this study hold significant implications for the advancement of clay mineral-based photocatalytic composites and the effective removal of organic pollutants.