Photoredox-catalyzed biomass intermediate conversion integrated with H2 production over Ti3C2Tx/CdS composites

Abstract

Harvesting solar energy to drive highly efficient photocatalytic conversion of renewable biomass and its derivatives to value-added chemicals with the concomitant formation of hydrogen (H₂) is a green and promising strategy to cope with the global energy dilemma. In this context, we have reported the facile assembly of uniformly distributed CdS nanoparticles (NPs) on the two-dimensional (2D) platform of Ti₃C₂T_x MXene nanosheets (NSs) via a low-temperature wet chemistry process, during which tight interfacial contact between CdS and Ti₃C₂T_x has been realized. The Ti₃C₂T_x/CdS composites feature remarkable enhancement in the aqueous-phase photoredox conversion of furfural alcohol to furfural and H₂ by simultaneously utilizing photoexcited holes and electrons. Mechanistic studies reveal that the Ti₃C₂T_x MXene acts as an “electron sink” to capture the electrons generated from CdS and the close interfacial connection expedites the separation and transport of photoexcited charge carriers, thereby accelerating the photocatalytic performance of the Ti₃C₂T_x/CdS composites. We anticipate that this work would provide an instructive paradigm for further rational design of MXene/semiconductor hybrids for photoredox-catalyzed production of value-added products and H₂ from biomass intermediates.