Layered Ti3C2 MXene modified two-dimensional Bi2WO6 composites with enhanced visible light photocatalytic performance

Abstract

In this study, Ti₃C₂ with excellent electron conductivity modified 2D Bi₂WO₆ was successfully prepared through an in situ growth route. Under LED light illumination, the removal ratios of rhodamine B and tetracycline hydrochloride were 99.9% and 97% on the optimized Bi₂WO₆/Ti₃C₂ within 20 min and 60 min, which was much higher than that of Bi₂WO₆. This arises from: (i) the incorporation of Ti₃C₂ improves the specific surface area of Bi₂WO₆, which increases the adsorption capacity of Bi₂WO₆/Ti₃C₂ hybrids for pollutants; (ii) Ti₃C₂ acted as an electron mediator effectively enhancing the separation of photo-induced charges; (iii) the close interfacial contact of the Bi₂WO₆/Ti₃C₂ hybrid promotes interfacial charge transfer abilities. In addition, this study further demonstrates the potential to couple Ti₃C₂ with other photosensitive semiconductors to improve the photocatalytic degradation activity.