Scientists prepared many variants of two-dimensional (2D) nanomaterials with unique properties such as the high surface area to volume ratio, surface charge design, anisotropic nature, as well as tunable functionalities. Therefore, their catalytical properties have found a wide range of applications in diverse research areas, such as environmental engineering. One of them is a novel group of 2D layered transition metal carbides called MXenes, characterized by a sandwiched-like structure, composed of layers within octahedral Mn+1Xn nitrides and carbonitrides, where M is a transition metal, and X is a carbon or carbon/and nitrogen, and n = 1–3, even 4. Scientists often modified MXenes to increase their properties and efficiency of photocatalysis. However, we were interested in checking the catalytic activity of bare 2D Ti3C2 MXenes after delamination. For this purpose, we stabilized MXene with L-ascorbic acid. Our work has shown high photocatalytic properties of bare MXenes without post-processing and surface modification with other compounds supporting the process. MXene has been used as a photocatalyst to degrade methylene blue and textile dyes using simulated daylight and UV light and at eight different wavelengths to verify what energy source is the most effective for the process. Such a procedure allowed to increase process- and cost-efficiency. The catalyst has been analyzed in terms of specific surface area, colloidal properties, morphology analysis, and analysis of light absorption. Moreover, we researched the reaction mechanism and the presence of free hydroxyl radicals and assessed the dye's ecotoxicity after the process. In addition, the catalyst was regenerated and successfully reused. Our research confirmed that the stabilization of MXene by natural antioxidants is beneficial in preserving its catalytic efficiency in degrading dye pollutants.

Degradation of dyes with the photocatalytic process using MXenes stabilized with L-ascorbic acid

ACS Spring 2022

The official archive and repository for all ACS Meetings & Expositions abstracts and select posters or presentations.