Constructing Ti3C2/SnS2 Schottky heterojunctions photocatalyst with a superior efficiency for RhB degradation

In this study, SnS 2 /Ti 3 C 2 was synthesized by combining SnS 2 (synthesized via oil bath method) with Ti 3 C 2 (prepared from etching of Al layers from Ti 3 AlC 2 MAX phase). The morphology, structure and photochemical properties of the catalyst were analyzed by various characterization methods. The photocatalytic performance of sample was studied by the degradation of Rhodamine B (RhB) under xenon lamp irradiation. Results showed that SnS 2 /Ti 3 C 2 could achieve 99 % photocatalytic degradation of RhB within 60 min, which was much higher than the 38 % photocatalytic degradation of SnS 2 . In addition, the RhB degradation rate of SnS 2 /Ti 3 C 2 still reached 93 % after 5 cycles. The excellent photocatalytic activity and durability were mainly attributed to the formation of Schottky heterojunction between SnS 2 and Ti 3 C 2 , which was very advantageous for efficiently separating and transferring charge carriers. The work functions of SnS 2 and Ti 3 C 2 Tx were calculated through the DFT calculations, which were 5.22 eV and 5.69 eV respectively. According to barder charge analysis, the charge transfer between SnS 2 and Ti 3 C 2 was 0.04 e. Meanwhile, radical trapping experiments confirmed that h + and •O 2− were the main active species in the reaction system. As a visible light-responsive catalyst, SnS 2 /Ti 3 C 2 could be effectively applied to the degradation of organic dye pollutants, and which has broad application prospects.