Ag@Nb2CTx MXene composites for efficient photocatalytic degradation of norfloxacin and fleroxacin antibiotics

Abstract

Two-dimensional (2D), MXenes' large surface area, great hydrophilicity, chemical stability, tunable electronic structure, and excellent electrical conductivity make them effective photocatalysts by enhancing light absorption and charge separation. To harness solar energy for photocatalysis, silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs), known for their catalytic properties, were incorporated into MXene sheets to synthesize Ag@Nb₂CT_x composite by a cost-effective and straightforward electrostatic self-assembly method. The SEM images showed that Ag NPs were attached to the surface of 2D exfoliated MXene sheets. The photocatalytic efficiency of the Ag@Nb₂CT_x composite was investigated for the photodegradation of Norfloxacin and Fleroxacin antibiotics, showing 74% and 68% degradation, respectively, in 120 minutes. The band gap of the prepared composite was tuned to 1.76 eV. Compared to Nb₂CT_x MXene, Ag@Nb₂CT_x composite exhibited good photodegradation due to its improved charge separation and less charge recombination rate. The photoluminescence spectra also showed that pristine MXene has the highest electron–hole pair recombination rate compared to all prepared Ag@Nb₂CT_x composites. It is challenging to degrade antibiotics because of their strong chemical stability, so Ag@Nb₂CT_x composite could be a potential candidate for commercial applications owing to its low-cost synthesis route.