Z-scheme TiO <sub>2</sub> @Ti <sub>3</sub> C <sub>2</sub> /Cd <sub>0.5</sub> Zn <sub>0.5</sub> S nanocomposites with efficient photocatalytic performance via one-step hydrothermal route
Qiao Yin, Zhenzhen Cao, Zhiyuan Wang, Jiaming Zhai, Mingliang Li, Li Tao Guan, Bingbing Fan, Wen Liu, Gang Shao, Hongliang Xu, Hailong Wang, Rui Zhang, Hongxia Lu
Abstract
Abstract Photocatalytic degradation of pollutants has been proved to be an effective strategy for wastewater treatment. Herein, TiO 2 nanoparticles were synthesized on a Ti 3 C 2 matrix by in situ growth, forming Z-scheme TiO 2 @Ti 3 C 2 /Cd 0.5 Zn 0.5 S (TO/CZS) multilevel structured nanocomposites via one-step hydrothermal route. The effects of hydrothermal temperature and Cd 0.5 Zn 0.5 S content on microstructure and properties of composites were assessed. TO/CZS nanocomposites were probed into phase composition, morphological and optical properties with x-ray diffractometer, infrared radiation, scanning electron microscope and UV–vis reflective spectra. Following the hydrothermal reaction at 160 °C for 12 h, TiO 2 nanoparticles of 30 nm in diameter were generated in situ on Ti 3 C 2 lamina and Cd 0.5 Zn 0.5 S particles were evenly distributed on the Ti 3 C 2 matrix. The photocatalytic activity of TO/CZS composites were evaluated, which found that degradation rate constant ( k = 0.028 min −1 ) of TO/CZS-40 on Rhodamine B was 5.19 times that of pure TiO 2 and 4.48 times that of Cd 0.5 Zn 0.5 S. Through anchoring Ti 3 C 2 as an electron transition mediator and combination with TiO 2 and Cd 0.5 Zn 0.5 S, the new Z-scheme between TiO 2 oxidized by Ti 3 C 2 and Cd 0.5 Zn 0.5 S establishes a multilevel structure of separating electron-hole pairs. This work demonstrates a valid way to control electrons and hole transfer directions efficiently through designing multilevel semiconductor structural designs.