Photocatalytic degradation of methyl orange dye by Ti3C2–TiO2 heterojunction under solar light. (August 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Hieu, Vu Quang; Phung, Thanh Khoa; Nguyen, Thanh-Quang; Khan, Afrasyab; Doan, Van Dat; Tran, Vy Anh; Le, Van Thuan
• Is Part Of: Chemosphere. Volume 276(2021)
• Publication Date: 2021-08
• Subjects: Ti3C2–TiO2 heterojunction -- Methyl orange -- Photocatalytic degradation; Pollution -- Periodicals; Pollution -- Physiological effect -- Periodicals; Environmental sciences -- Periodicals; Atmospheric chemistry -- Periodicals; 551.511
• DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2021.130154
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0045-6535

Abstract

Abstract: Photocatalytic activity is a feasible solution to tackle environmental pollution caused by industrial pollutants. In this research, Ti3 C2 –TiO2 composite with a unique structure was fabricated successfully via a hydrothermal method. Especially, the in-situ transformation of TiO2 from Ti3 C2 MXene creates an intimate heterostructure, which leads to prolonging separation and migration of charged carriers. Thus, this Ti3 C2 –TiO2 composite enhances effectively methyl orange (MO) degradation efficiency (around 99%) after 40 light-exposed minutes. Besides, the optimal concentration of MO solution was estimated at 40 mg/L and Ti3 C2 –TiO2 photocatalyst also exhibited good stability after five runs. Moreover, the radical trapping test and the MO photodegradation mechanism over Ti3 C2 –TiO2 system were also demonstrated. This research illustrates the potential of MXenes as effective co-catalysts for photocatalysis and extends the applications of two-dimensional materials. Graphical abstract: Image 1 Highlights: Ti3 C2 –TiO2 heterostructure is synthesized from Ti3 C2 by hydrothermal oxidation. In-situ transformation of TiO2 leads to obtain Ti3 C2 –TiO2 heterostructures. Ti3 C2 –TiO2 photocatalyst exhibits a significant efficiency for MO degradation. The proposed MO photocatalytic mechanism toward Ti3 C2 –TiO2 composite is illustrated.