MoS2-infused cellulose acetate films for enhanced photodegradation of pharmaceutical pollutants
摘要
Pharmaceutical residues in water sources pose serious environmental and health risks due to their persistence and potential to induce antibiotic resistance. In this study, a novel photocatalytic composite film comprising few-layer molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) single crystals embedded in a cellulose acetate (CA) matrix was synthesized for the efficient photodegradation of commonly used antibiotic tablets, Amoxicillin and Cefixime. The MoS2 nanosheets were exfoliated and uniformly dispersed within the CA polymer through a simple solution-casting method. Structural and morphological characterizations confirmed the successful incorporation of MoS2 into the polymer matrix, forming a stable and flexible composite film. Under visible light irradiation, the MoS2/CA film exhibited notable photocatalytic performance, achieving degradation efficiencies of 84.31% for Amoxicillin and 76.11% for Cefixime within a specific reaction time. The enhanced degradation activity is attributed to the high surface area of few-layer MoS2, which facilitates effective light absorption and reactive oxygen species generation, while the CA matrix provides a biodegradable and environmentally friendly support. This work demonstrates the potential of MoS2-based biopolymer composites as sustainable photocatalysts for removing pharmaceutical contaminants from aqueous environments. The results offer a promising route for designing efficient and green photocatalytic systems to address emerging water pollution challenges.
Graphical Abstract