A cost-effective approach to synthesize NiFe2O4/MXene heterostructures for enhanced photodegradation performance and anti-bacterial activity

A cost-effective ultrasonication approach was employed to synthesize NiFe2O4/MXene heterostructures. The as-synthesized heterostructures demonstrated outstanding photodegradation performance and antibacterial activity as compared to individual NiFe2O4 (NiFe) or MXene. The NiFe nanoparticles (NPs) helped in effectively preventing the re-stacking of MXene flakes and in increasing the surface area of the heterostructure. The obtained sheet-sheet linkage provided an admirable opportunity for excellent wastewater treatment and antibacterial activity. The photocatalytic degradation of organic pollutants by the introduced photocatalyst NiFe/MXene heterostructures has been observed to be about 4 and 6.72 times boosted compared to MXene and NiFe, respectively. Furthermore, the heterostructure materials demonstrated outstanding anti-bacterial activity against gram negative E-coli bacteria, while the mechanism of methylene blue dye degradation by NiFe/MXene was clarified through kinetic studies of the degradation process. We hope this work will be considered a significant scientific contribution for young researchers dealing with water desalination. (C) 2021 The Society of Powder Technology Japan. Published by Elsevier B.V. and The Society of Powder Technology Japan. All rights reserved.

Automated summary

A cost-effective ultrasonication approach was employed to synthesize NiFe2O4/MXene heterostructures, which demonstrated outstanding photodegradation performance and antibacterial activity compared to individual NiFe2O4 (NiFe) or MXene. The introduced photocatalyst NiFe/MXene heterostructures showed significantly enhanced degradation of organic pollutants and antibacterial activity against E-coli bacteria. The research contributes significantly to the field of water desalination for young researchers.