Preparation of mixed-phase TiO2/Ti3C2 composites by solid-phase milling-roasting: Efficient visible-light-driven photocatalytic degradation of rhodamine B

Reasonable interface design is a key factor to improve the activity of photocatalysts. In this paper, TiO2/Ti3C2 composite photocatalyst with high activity of anatase/rutile mixed crystal were prepared by solid-phase milling-roasting method. The microstructure of the mixed-phase TiO2/Ti3C2 composites could be adjusted by the calcination temperature and additive content. The results showed that NaBF4 could promote the transformation of anatase TiO2 to rutile TiO2. An appropriate amount of rutile TiO2 forms a heterojunction with anatase TiO2, which enables efficient charge separation and transfer at the interfaces of the composites. The optimized sample (MT550) showed 98 % degradation of rhodamine B (RhB) under visible light irradiation within 180 min, which was 8 times higher than that of the sample without added NaBF4. This study presents a strategy for the synthesis of mixed-phase (anatase/rutile) TiO2/Ti3C2 composites with high activity under visible light, which has potential in the design and application of photocatalytic materials. [Display omitted] •The mixed-phase (anatase/rutile) TiO2/Ti3C2 composites were fabricated by solid-phase milling-roasting method.•The presence of NaBF4 promotes the transformation of TiO2 in the composites from anatase to rutile.•The formation of tight multiple interfaces between the mixed-phase TiO2 and Ti3C2 enables efficient charge separation and transfer.