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

Highlights: • A facile two-step approach to synthesis MoS₂/Lignin-derived Carbon (MoS₂@LDC) composite. • The MoS₂@LDC exhibits outstanding Cr(VI) removal performance. • The removal of Cr(VI) is through both adsorption and reduction. • Further enhancing the Cr(VI) removal performance of MoS₂@LDC by H₂ plasma treatment. 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 C_Initial = 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.