Water-flow-induced rapid directional electron transfer via Mo-S-Fe bridge bonds for enhanced Fe(III)/Fe(II) redox...

In Fenton-like processes, achieving rapid and efficient redox cycling of metal active centers remains a challenge. This study presents an innovative strategy that harnesses the mechanical energy of water flow to drive the redox cycling of metal active centers. Herein, Fe₃O₄/MoS₂ heterojunction with interfacial Mo-S-Fe bridge bonds was constructed via a one-step hydrothermal method. Under the stimulation induced by water-flow mechanical, the piezoelectric effect of MoS₂ generates charge carriers, which are rapidly directed to Fe active sites through the Mo-S-Fe bonds. This process significantly accelerates the Fe(III)/Fe(II) cycle and enhances H₂O₂ activation, achieving 93.8% removal of sulfamethoxazole (SMX) within 60 min under water flow stimulation. The composite exhibits robust performance across a broad pH range (3.0-10.7) and in the presence of humic acid (HA) and coexisting anions, demonstrating its strong environmental adaptability. Spectroscopic evidence confirmed the formation of Mo-S-Fe bonds at the heterojunction interface. Mechanistic studies further revealed that the structure improves charge separation, promotes rapid electron transfer from MoS₂ to Fe sites, and strengthens H₂O₂ adsorption, thereby synergistically boosting reactive oxygen species (ROSs) generation and the overall catalytic efficiency. This study proposes an innovative strategy that exploits mechanical forces generated by water flow to drive rapid redox cycling of active metal centers in Fenton-like reactions.