Synergistic bimetallic MOF-integrated MXene nanosheets for enhanced catalytic degradation of carbamazepine and hydrogen production: a dual-function approach for water remediation and energy applications

Abstract

This study introduces a novel metallic MOF composite, MIL-100@ZIF-67, anchored on MXene nanosheets, designated as MIL-100@ZIF-67@MXene, for the enhanced degradation of carbamazepine (CBZ) and activation of peroxymonosulfate (PMS). The efficacy of the composite in CBZ degradation and the underlying reaction parameters and mechanisms were thoroughly investigated. Remarkably, the MIL-100@ZIF-67@MXene/PMS system achieved a 95% reduction of CBZ within 30 min under neutral pH conditions. Scavenger experiments and electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) analysis confirmed that a combination of radicals (SO₄˙⁻, ˙OH and O₂˙⁻) and non-radicals (¹O₂ and high-valent metal–oxo species) contributed to the degradation process, with singlet oxygen (¹O₂) identified as the predominant active species. Additionally, the composite exhibited superior performance in the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER), generating 130 μmol L⁻¹ mg⁻¹ min⁻¹ dissolved hydrogen under alkaline conditions (pH 10) and a potential of −1.2 V. This research demonstrates the potential of bimetallic MOFs combined with carbon materials for effective antibiotic removal and PMS activation. Furthermore, it highlights their promising capability in the HER, offering a multifaceted approach to addressing environmental pollution and promoting energy sustainability.