Rice Crust-Like ZnO/Ti3C2Tx MXene Hybrid Structures for Improved Photocatalytic Activity

Abstract

Novel two-dimensional ZnO/Ti3C2Tx hybrid photocatalysts with modified surface areas were prepared using a simple calcination technique. The microstructures, crystalline features, and bonding states of the ZnO structure-covered Ti3C2Tx MXenes were closely characterized using various tools. The photoluminescence intensity of the hybrid photocatalyst was greatly reduced compared to the pristine ZnO, while its Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) surface area increased by more than 100 times. Under solar light illumination, the photocatalytic degradation efficiency of the hybrid photocatalyst for organic pollutants (MO, RhB) appeared to be three-fold larger as compared to pristine ZnO. The superb photocatalytic performance of the photocatalyst was attributed to several factors, such as ideal band alignment, Schottky barrier formation, and large surface area. Moreover, the ZnO/Ti3C2Tx hybrid photocatalyst showed excellent cycling stability. These results suggest that the novel hybrid structure may be a potential candidate for removing organic pollutants in wastewater.

Palladium nanoparticle-decorated multi-layer Ti3C2Tx dual-functioning as a highly sensitive hydrogen gas sensor and hydrogen storage

“…Regarding O1s, three peaks are found at 528.6, 530, and 531.2 eV, which correspond to Ti–O, TiO 2 , and C–Ti–O x , respectively. 32,35 Furthermore, two sharp Pd3d peaks (Pd3d 5/2 and Pd3d 3/2 ) are observed at the binding energies of 333.5 and 338.8 eV. The energy difference of 5.3 eV between the two peaks is quite close to the previous reports.…”

“…4(b) shows two major peaks centered at 463.0 and 457.3 eV, which are assigned to (OH, or O)–Ti–C bond and (OH, or O)–Ti 2+ –C bond, respectively. 32 This indicate that the ML-Ti 3 C 2 T x surface is functionalized by –OH or O groups after PdNP decoration step. These functional groups may help the nanocomposite to adsorb gas molecules easily.…”

Role of ZnO in ZnO Nanoflake/Ti3C2 MXene Composites in Photocatalytic and Electrocatalytic Hydrogen Evolution

“…The selected area electron diffraction SAED pattern in Figure c shows a combination of diffraction rings of ZnO (201, 210, and 302) and hexagonal diffraction spots of Ti 3 C 2 . The same types of SAED patterns have been reported previously for ZnO-Ti 3 C 2 and other Ti 3 C 2 composites. , …”

Advancements in Solar Desalination of Seawater by Various Ti3C2 MXene Based Morphologies for Freshwater Generation: A Review

“…Transition metal carbides are effectively used as electrocatalysts for oxygen evolution reactions [10]. Due to the conceivable photocatalytic activity of Ti 3 C 2 MXene [11], porous structured novel 2D MXenes raised its importance in the field of desalination of seawater under strategic utilization of abundant solar electromagnetic spectrum. It should be noted that 2D Ti 3 C 2 MXene can absorb near-infrared light for the photofixation of N 2 [12].…”