Z-scheme TiO2@Ti3C2/Cd0.5Zn0.5S nanocomposites with efficient photocatalytic performance via one-step hydrothermal route

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 byin situgrowth, forming Z-scheme TiO2@Ti3C2/Cd0.5Zn0.5S (TO/CZS) multilevel structured nanocomposites via one-step hydrothermal route. The effects of hydrothermal temperature and Cd0.5Zn0.5S 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 degrees C for 12 h, TiO(2)nanoparticles of 30 nm in diameter were generatedin situon Ti(3)C(2)lamina and Cd0.5Zn0.5S 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 Cd0.5Zn0.5S. Through anchoring Ti(3)C(2)as an electron transition mediator and combination with TiO(2)and Cd0.5Zn0.5S, the new Z-scheme between TiO(2)oxidized by Ti(3)C(2)and Cd0.5Zn0.5S 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.

Automated summary

In this study, TiO2@Ti3C2/Cd0.5Zn0.5S multilevel structured nanocomposites were synthesized via a one-step hydrothermal route and their photocatalytic performance was evaluated. The results showed that TO/CZS exhibited good photocatalytic activity, and the electron and hole transfer directions were efficiently controlled through the multilevel semiconductor structural designs.