Improved debromination of polybrominated diphenyl ethers by bimetallic iron-silver nanoparticles coupled with microwave energy

► The Fe-Ag nanoparticles with a core-shell structure were successfully prepared. ► A highly efficient technology for debromination of PBDEs by Fe-Ag/MW was investigated. ► The effect of bromine's number on the stability against reduction of PBDEs was explored. ► The role of MW energy and Ag in the reactivity of the Fe-Ag/MW system was demonstrated. ► The possible degradation pathways of BDE-209 and BDE-47 were proposed.