Unlocking enhanced photo-Fenton, night-Fenton, and photocatalytic activities of dual Z-scheme MoS2/WO3–x/Ag2S core-shell structure via defect engineering

Memory catalysis and conventional Fenton reactions are intended to counteract prevailing energy and environmental crises; however, poor performance and the need for UV irradiation question their sustainability. Herein, we demonstrate defect-engineered, dual Z-scheme MoS2/WO3–x/Ag2S exhibiting enhanced photo-Fenton (PFR), night-Fenton (NFR), and photocatalytic activities (PR) against TC and RhB. Defects enable the catalyst to store ample electrons just like metals, which play a vital role by exciting H2O2 during Fenton reactions. It removed 91.54%, 76.43%, and 83.39% TC (40 mg L–1) in 100 min and registered degradation rate constants of 0.05379, 0.02858, and 0.04133 min–1 against RhB (20 mg L–1) during PFR, NFR, and PR respectively. The TOC removal rates reached 58.56% and 60.88% during TC and RhB degradations in PFR, respectively. Solid and Liquid EPR analysis shows it can excite H2O2 to carry Fenton reactions with and without light. It demonstrates wide pH adaptability and tremendous potential to simultaneously counter energy and environmental crises.