Applications of MoS₂ Nanostructures in Wastewater Treatment

The fascinating properties of two-dimensional (2D) nanomaterial, such as excellent mechanical strength, a high portion of active sites, ease of functionalization and tuning the physical and chemical characteristics, are attracting researchers to host their applications in various fields, including wastewater treatment. Among various 2D nanomaterials, 2D MoS₂ has stand out as a promising alternative inorganic analogue of most explored 2D graphene due to its unique characteristics such as high active surface area, low cost, excellent mechanical strength, small band gap and the possibility of surface functionalization. The excellent water remediation characteristics are attributed to the controlled morphology, specific nano-sized properties, abundant availability, and variable surface chemistry of MoS₂ nanomaterials. Additionally, the selectivity of MoS₂ towards water contaminants promotes its application in water purification. This chapter presents the recent progress, future prospects and challenges of 2D MoS₂-based nanomaterials in water remediation techniques such as adsorbent, photocatalyst, membrane and antibacterial agent. The mechanism behind the water treatment process using 2D MoS₂ is also explained. This chapter will provide a platform to the researchers, who are focused on exploring the application of MoS₂-based materials in water purification. The research demands for future water applications of 2D MoS₂ nanomaterials are also identified.