Synthesis of photosensitive catalysts with wide-band absorption and ability to enhance the degradation of polyester fabric wastes

•Fe-based photocatalysts were developed to enhance the degradation of disposed PET fibers in natural environment.•Fe species can broaden the light absorption range and improve the utilization rate of sunlight.•Tensile strength of PET fabrics decreased by 64% in the presence of the catalyst compared to only 6% without catalyst.•Photo-catalytic degradation is a simple and effective route to reduce the environmental burden of disposed polyester fabrics.