Advanced synthesis of MXene-derived nanoflower-shaped TiO2@Ti3C2 heterojunction to enhance photocatalytic degradation of Rhodamine B

Advanced synthesis of nanoflower structures consisting of TiO 2 @Ti 3 C 2 nanoflowers with three-dimensional (3D) porous frameworks from two-dimensional (2D) Ti 3 C 2 MXene was done and applied for degradation of organic pollutant. The special structure of material was created by the in situ transformation, starting from Ti 3 C 2 T x MXene as provision of Ti source. The basis properties of material were characterized by SEM, TEM , XRD and XPS. The Ti 3 C 2 T x MXene showed layered structure and then this morphology was replaced by nanoflower spheres with rapid growth of TiO 2 @Ti 3 C 2 nanowhiskers. In terms of application, the TiO 2 @Ti 3 C 2 heterojunction showed an extraordinary photocatalytic efficiency toward Rhodamine B (RhB) compared to performances of pristine Ti 3 C 2 , and commercial TiO 2 . In addition, the TiO 2 @Ti 3 C 2 composite also displays the good recyclability even after 5th degradation cycles. Based on the finding, it gains a deeper insight into practical applications of 2D transition metal carbide for treatment of organic pollutants in wastewater.