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.