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

Abstract Advanced synthesis of nanoflower structures consisting of TiO2@Ti3C2 nanoflowers with three-dimensional (3D) porous frameworks from two-dimensional (2D) Ti3C2 MXene was done and applied for degradation of organic pollutant. The special structure of material was created by the in situ transformation, starting from Ti3C2T x MXene as provision of Ti source. The basis properties of material were characterized by SEM, TEM, XRD and XPS. The Ti3C2T x MXene showed layered structure and then this morphology was replaced by nanoflower spheres with rapid growth of TiO2@Ti3C2 nanowhiskers. In terms of application, the TiO2@Ti3C2 heterojunction showed an extraordinary photocatalytic efficiency towards Rhodamine B (RhB) compared to performances of pristine Ti3C2, and commercial TiO2. In addition, the TiO2@Ti3C2 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.