Visible-light-driven integrated organic synthesis and hydrogen evolution over 1D/2D CdS-Ti3C2Tx MXene composites

[Display omitted] 1D/2D CdS-Ti3C2Tx photocatalyst has been synthesized via a facile electrostatic self-assembly approach for application toward photoredox coupling selective ethanol conversion and H2 evolution under acidic conditions, in which Ti3C2Tx MXene plays multi-roles in enhancing the photocatalytic performance of the binary composites. •1D/2D CdS-Ti3C2Tx MXene composite is prepared via one-step electrostatic self-assembly.•CdS-Ti3C2Tx MXene is applied to photoredox coupling bioethanol conversion and H2 evolution.•CH(OH)CH3 is proved to be the pivotal radical species during photocatalytic process.•Ti3C2Tx MXene plays multi-roles in enhancing photocatalytic performance of binary composites. Exploiting solar energy to photocatalyze integrated selective conversion of bioethanol into fine chemicals and hydrogen (H2) is a promising avenue in response to current energy and environmental crises. Herein, we have reported the mild synthesis of a binary heterostructure of CdS-Ti3C2Tx MXene (CdS-MX) combining one-dimensional (1D) CdS nanowires (NWs) with two-dimensional (2D) MXene structure, and its application in photocatalytic coupling redox reaction of H2 evolution and selective conversion of bioethanol into 1,1-diethoxyethane (DEE) under acidic conditions. The results reveal that the synergistic effect of the intimate interfacial contact and matched energy level alignment between electrically conductive 2D MXene and semiconductor 1D CdS NWs benefits the separation and migration of charge carriers. Furthermore, CH(OH)CH3 has been proven to be the pivotal radical intermediate during photoredox process. This work is anticipated to stimulate further interest on rational construction of MXene-semiconductor based composites toward photoredox coupling organic synthesis and H2 evolution in a sustainable manner.