FeMoS₂ micoroparticles as an excellent catalyst for the activation of peroxymonosulfate toward organic contaminant degradation

The FeMoS₂ catalyst for activating peroxymonosulfate (PMS) is a promising pathway for removing organic pollutants in wastewater, however, the dominant FeS₂ phases and sulfur (S) vacancies in it are little involved. Herein, for the first time, novel bimetallic FeMoS₂ microparticles were synthesized by a simple method and then applied for PMS activation for degrading organic pollutants. The catalysts were characterized by several techniques, including X-ray diffraction and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopies. The results revealed that new FeMoS₂ microparticles containing S vacancies in the main FeS₂ phases were obtained. FeS₂ and S vacancies were found to play important roles for activating PMS by radical and nonradical pathways. More Fe²⁺ and Mo⁴⁺ were formed in the presence of S vacancies, which offered a new strategy for exploring novel heterogeneous catalysts in the activation of PMS for environmental remediation.