Ternary BiOBr/TiO2/Ti3C2Tx MXene nanocomposites with heterojunction structure and improved photocatalysis performance

A series of ternary BiOBr/TiO2/Ti3C2Tx MXene nanocomposites were designed and constructed as photocatalysts by a facile one-step hydrothermal procedure. The composites presented outstanding visible-light photocatalytic activity due the optimized synergetic effects of BiOBr, TiO2 and Ti3C2Tx MXene. [Display omitted] The rational design and construction of heterojunction structure is an effective strategy to improve the photocatalytic performance. Herein, a series of BiOBr nanosheets-immobilized TiO2/Ti3C2Tx MXene hybrid materials with heterojunction structure were synthesized by a facial one-step hydrothermal method. The ternary composites show outstanding performance as photocatalysts for the degradation of rhodamine B due to the optimized synergetic effects of BiOBr, TiO2 and Ti3C2Tx. The improved photocatalytic performance is remarkably attributed to the construction of a heterojunction between TiO2 and BiOBr due to their well-matching of energy band position, which can enhance the absorption for visible light and promote the transfer of photo-generated charge carriers. Moreover, Ti3C2Tx acts as an electron trap to further accelerate the separation of photo-generated electrons and holes.