Ti3C2 MXene/Ag2ZnGeO4 Schottky heterojunctions with enhanced photocatalytic performances: Efficient charge separation and mechanism studies

Abstract Schottky heterojunctions could efficiently improve the separation of photo-generated carriers of photocatalysts. Herein, a novel Ti3C2/Ag2ZnGeO4 hollow-sphere architecture with Schottky heterojunctions was successfully constructed and showed enhanced visible light photocatalytic performance. The Ti3C2/Ag2ZnGeO4 exhibited an excellent interfacial charge transfer capability according to its optical and photoelectrochemical measurements. Theoretical calculations further confirm the formation of Schottky heterojunctions and the electrons from Ag2ZnGeO4 can transfer to Ti3C2, ultimately accelerating the separation of photogenerated carriers. Consequently, the Ti3C2/Ag2ZnGeO4 exhibited an enhanced photocatalytic performance to degrade acid red 1 in solution under visible light irradiation. Especially, the Schottky heterojunctions boost the generation of superoxide radicals as the main active species in the comparison of Ag2ZnGeO4. This work gives a way to improve the photocatalytic activity of Ag-based photocatalysts.