Facile synthesis of PbBiO2X/Ti3C2 MXene composites with efficient visible photocatalytic activity

Abstract

The exploration of visible photocatalysts for the degradation of organic pollutants is still important for human beings. Herein, three series of novel PbBiO₂X/Ti₃C₂ (X = Cl, Br and I) composited photocatalysts were synthesized for the first time. These PbBiO₂X-based photocatalysts were prepared by changing the weight amount of Ti₃C₂ MXene. PbBiO₂X nanoplates were distributed on the surface of an organ-like Ti₃C₂ MXene. The optimized PbBiO₂Cl composited with a 10% weight ratio of Ti₃C₂ MXene, PbBiO₂Br and PbBiO₂I composited with a 5% weight ratio of Ti₃C₂ MXene achieved visible activity in the photo-degradation of 4-CP (4-chlorophenol) and MO (methyl orange). The strong interaction at the interface between PbBiO₂X and the Ti₃C₂ Mxene plays a crucial role in enhancing the catalytic performance. The composition of the Ti₃C₂ Mxene extended the visible absorption and promoted the separation of photo-induced carriers. The photocatalytic mechanism for three PbBiO₂X/Ti₃C₂ composites is proposed based on experimental results and analysis. This work can provide better guidance for the development of Mxene-based nanocomposites for water treatment and other practical applications.