Recent progress in preparation and water treatment applications of low-dimensional layered molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) nanostructures

Water consumption is increasing rapidly in recent years owing to the development of urbanization and industries. Consequently, how to get fresh water to satisfy current demand is the highest priority, and the main challenge is to exploit approach to remove harmful contaminants from wastewater. To date, numerous works have been done to construct novel materials/structures and creative strategies for water treatment. Among them, low-dimensional molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) nanostructures are catching worldwide attention in diverse areas, including optoelectronics, H2 production, and water treatment. This review summarizes recent progress in layered MoS2 nanostructures and its composites for water treatment utilizing adsorption, photodegradation, separation, and sensing. Primary attention is paid to the preparation and formation mechanisms of various MoS2-based nanostructures with different dimensionality, and their suitability for water treatment applications is discussed. Finally, main challenges and future outlooks on MoS2-based nanostructures are commented, which will promote the development of MoS2-based nanostructures and prospective applications in water treatment. [Display omitted] •Structure of layered MoS2 is briefly presented.•Introduce the preparation of MoS2 and its composites.•Summarize the research progress of MoS2-based nanostructures in water treatment.•Current challenges and future outlook of MoS2 in the purification of water.