Rose-inspired 3D 1T-MoS x /Ti3C2T x /TiO2 photocatalyst for water purification

Abstract

Abstract The rose-inspired photocatalyst, 1T-MoS x /Ti3C2T x /TiO2, demonstrated exceptional activity in the simultaneous removal of hexavalent chromium (Cr(VI)) and methylene blue (MB), achieving high efficiencies of 97.7% and 97.2% respectively. Furthermore, it exhibited effective degradation of another dye, Rhodamine B (Rh.B). Scanning electron microscopy figures showed its unique nanoflower morphology. The introduction of titanium carbide nanosheets (Ti3C2T x ) and the formation of Schottky junctions can effectively prolong the carrier lifetime. The degradation path of MB was deduced by liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry, which confirmed the process of photocatalytic decomposition of organic pollutants. Compared to physical purification methods, it offers the advantage of not only removing pollutants but also degrading them. Furthermore, by utilizing MB as a sacrificial agent, the reduction can take place in a mild neutral environment, resulting in minimized secondary pollution. Through its distinctive three-dimensional structure and the Ti3C2T x cocatalyst, the 1T-MoS x /Ti3C2T x /TiO2 photocatalyst demonstrates remarkable catalytic activity, and effective purification of wastewater containing Cr(VI) and organic dyes.