Exfoliated MXene–AuNPs hybrid in sensing and multiple catalytic hydrogenation reactions

Abstract

The increasing use of nanomaterials in consumer products is expected to lead to environmental contamination sometime soon. As water pollution is a pressing issue that threatens human survival and impedes the promotion of human health, the search for adsorbents for removing newly identified contaminants from water has become a topic of intensive research. The challenges in the recyclability of contaminated water continue to campaign the development of highly reusable catalysts. Although exfoliated 2D MXene sheets have demonstrated the capability towards water purification, a significant challenge for removing some toxic organic molecules remains a challenge due to a need for metal-based catalytic properties owing to their rapid response. In the present study, we demonstrate the formation of AuNPs-MXene (Mo2CTx) hybrid structure during the sensitive detection of Au nanoparticle through MXene sheets without any surface modification, and subsequently its applications as an efficient catalyst for the degradation of 4-nitrophenol, methyl orange, and methylene blue. The hybrid structure (AuNPs/MXene) reveals remarkable reusability for up to eight consecutive cycles, with minimal reduction in catalytic efficiency and comparable apparent reaction rate constant (kapp) values for 4-nitrophenol (4-NP), methylene blue (MB), and methyl orange (MO), compared to other catalysts reported in the literature.

Advances in 4-Nitrophenol Detection and Reduction Methods and Mechanisms: An Updated Review

“…These intermediates are crucial for understanding catalytic processes' reaction mechanisms and steps. 103 The principles of catalysis encompass several aspects of this essential chemical phenomenon:…”

“…In catalysis, intermediates are temporary species that form during a reaction but are absent in the final products. These intermediates are crucial for understanding catalytic processes’ reaction mechanisms and steps …”