Piezoelectric-enhanced photocatalytic purification of wastewater containing tetracycline via MoS2/ZnO heterojunction

• A novel core-shell MoS2/ZnO heterojunction was synthesized via a hydrothermal route, exhibiting enhanced piezoelectric-photocatalytic activity for tetracycline degradation. • The heterojunction achieved 91.2% purification efficiency of tetracycline hydrochloride with peroxodisulfate activation, and maintained 90.76% efficiency after five cycles, demonstrating excellent recyclability. • The synergistic piezoelectric effect and heterojunction interface facilitate efficient charge separation, leading to robust visible-light photocatalytic performance. • The study identifies dominant reactive oxygen species and degradation pathways, providing mechanistic insights for sustainable antibiotic wastewater treatment.