Schottky heterogeneous interface design of Ti3C2/Bi4O5I2 to enhance the photocatalytic performance

Abstract

An ultrasonic precipitation method loads Bi₄O₅I₂ onto Ti₃C₂ to form a Schottky heterojunction photocatalyst. The obtained Ti₃C₂/Bi₄O₅I₂ composite exhibited an optimal methyl orange (MO) degradation efficiency of 94.99% under LED-light irradiation. The as-prepared samples were characterized by XRD, SEM coupled with EDS, TEM, UV-vis, FL and LC–MS. The specific surface area and band gap energy can be adjusted by forming a nano-heterostructure. Schottky barriers urge electron transfer to Ti₃C₂, leaving fixed positive charges in the space-charge region on the side of Bi₄O₅I₂, accelerating electron migration continuously. Based on the characterization results, a possible degradation pathway was proposed.