Work function mediated interface charge kinetics for boosting photocatalytic water sterilization

Photocatalytic sterilization is an eco-friendly strategy to utilize solar energy for treating water contaminated with resistant bacteria. Here, we propose interface engineering to induce an internal electric field (IEF) in leaf-like Ti3C2Tx/TiO2 based on the work function (Φ) theory, which enhances photocatalytic sterilization performance by steering interface charge kinetics. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations and in situ irradiation X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (ISI-XPS) results show that photogenerated charge carriers can be directionally separated by the IEF. The efficient charge kinetics benefits the reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation and hence a superior broad-spectrum sterilization performance. We employ the intrinsic physical characteristics of MXene to steer interface charge kinetics for photocatalysis, which exhibits great potential in water disinfection. [Display omitted] •The theory of work function guides the formation of internal electric field.•ISI-XPS and KPFM results demonstrated highly enhanced interface charge kinetics.•The photoinduced sterilization activities can be enhanced by efficient charge kinetics.•Ti3C2Tx/TiO2 exhibits efficient antibacterial performance in nature water.