In-situ synthesis and ultrasound enhanced adsorption properties of MoS2/graphene quantum dot nanocomposite

•The MoS2/GOD was successfully synthesized through a one-step hydrothermal approach.•The MoS2/GOD as absorbents showed ultrafast adsorption rate under ultrasound.•The absorption properties of MoS2/GOD were not depended on temperature and pH.

The MoS2/graphene quantum dot nanocomposite (MoS2/GQD) was successfully synthesized through a one-step hydrothermal approach and then directly applied as the absorbents for removing organic dyes from water. It showed excellent adsorption capacity (285.0 mg/g) and ultrafast adsorption rate (2 s) under ultrasound assistance. Furthermore, the MoS2/GQD exhibited high cycling stability and the adsorption capacity of MoS2/GQD was slightly affected by the temperature and pH of solution. These results were attributed to the high porous structure and large surface area of the MoS2/GQD, which provided more volume and surface area for the absorption organic dyes and enabled highly accessible to the organic dyes under ultrasound assistance. This work did not only indicate the great potential of MoS2/GQD as absorbents in water pollution treatment, but also provided a new idea for improving the adsorption rate of absorbents in water pollution treatment.