Malays. J. Anal. Sci. Volume 29 Number 3 (2025): 1364

 

Research Article

 

Enhanced photocatalytic degradation of perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) by using MoS2/GO/CMC composites: Impact of irradiation conditions, solution pH, and stability for sustainable water treatment

 

Syafarina Farisa Sateria1, Kavirajaa Pandian Sambasevam2,3, Ahmad Husaini Mohamed1, Zulhatiqah Zolekafeli1, and Siti Nor Atika Baharin1,2*

 

1School of Chemistry and Environment, Faculty of Applied Sciences, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Cawangan Negeri Sembilan, Kampus Kuala Pilah, 72000 Kuala Pilah, Malaysia

2Advanced Material for Environmental Remediation (AMER) Research Group, Faculty of Applied Sciences, Universiti Teknologi MARA Cawangan Negeri Sembilan Kampus Kuala Pilah, 72000 Kuala Pilah, Negeri Sembilan, Malaysia

3Electrochemical Material and Sensor (EMas) Group, Universiti Teknologi MARA, 40450 Shah Alam, Selangor, Malaysia

 

*Corresponding author: atikabaharin@uitm.edu.my

 

Received: 29 September 2024; Revised: 7 April 2025; Accepted: 9 April 2025; Published: 1 June 2025

 

Abstract

This study investigated the removal of perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) by using molybdenum disulphide-graphene oxide-carboxymethyl cellulose (MoS2/GO/CMC) composites as a photocatalyst under various irradiation conditions and solution pH value levels. The performance of MoS2/GO/CMC was compared with MoS2/CMC and GO/CMC composites. Under LED light irradiation (12 W, 400–700 nm spectrum range), the MoS2/GO/CMC composite achieved a maximum PFOA degradation efficiency of 92.26% within 2 h, outperforming other photocatalysts. The incorporation of cellulose improved nanoparticle stability and increased surface-active sites, enhancing degradation efficiency. pH 5 was found to be optimal for PFOA degradation due to favorable hydrophobic interactions, while higher pH levels hindered degradation due to Coulombic repulsion. Increasing LED wattage to 12 W maximised degradation efficiency by enhancing photodecomposition. These findings provide valuable insights into optimising PFOA degradation under different environmental conditions, highlighting the potential of MoS2/GO/CMC composites for sustainable water treatment solutions.

 

Keywords: carboxymethyl cellulose, perfluorinated compounds, photocatalyst, graphene oxide, hydrogels

 

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