Environmental Applications of 2D Molybdenum Disulfide (MoS2) Nanosheets

Abstract

In an era of graphene-based nanomaterials as the most widely studied two-dimensional (2D) materials for enhanced performance of devices and systems in numerous environmental applications, molybdenum disulfide (MoS₂) nanosheets stand out as a promising alternative 2D material with many excellent physicochemical, biological, and mechanical properties that differ significantly from those of graphene-based nanomaterials, potentially leading to new environmental phenomena and novel applications. This Critical Review presents the latest advances in the use of MoS₂ nanosheets for important water-related environmental applications such as contaminant adsorption, photocatalysis, membrane-based separation, sensing, and disinfection. Various methods for MoS₂ nanosheet synthesis are examined, and their suitability for different environmental applications is discussed. The unique structure and properties of MoS₂ nanosheets enabling exceptional environmental capabilities are compared with those of graphene-based nanomaterials. The environmental implications of MoS₂ nanosheets are emphasized, and research needs for future environmental applications of MoS₂ nanosheets are identified.