Constructing MoS2/Lignin-derived carbon nanocomposites for highly efficient removal of Cr(VI) from aqueous environment

Effective removal of Cr(VI) pollution from aquatic environment is in pressing need because of the detrimental effect of Cr(VI) to human health. Herein, we report a facile two-step approach to synthesis MoS2/Lignin-derived Carbon (MoS2@LDC) nanocomposites for highly efficient elimination of Cr(VI) from aqueous solutions. The MoS2@LDC exhibited outstanding removal efficient for Cr(VI) (198.70 mg/g at pH = 2.0, T = 298.15 K and CInitial = 20.0 mg/L). 99.35% of Cr(VI) can be removed by the composites in 30 min. Thermodynamic and kinetic studies suggest the removal of Cr(VI) is through both adsorption and reduction. The performance of MoS2@LDC can be further enhanced by hydrogen plasma treatments, which was attributed to the sulfur vacancies induced improvement in the reduction activity of MoS2 layer. The results of this work can guide the rational design of high-performance nanocomposite for efficient remediation of heavy metals in aquatic environment.