Photocatalytic reduction of uranium(VI) under visible light with 2D/ 1D Ti3C2/CdS

Herein, for the first time, the visible-light-driven 2D/1D Ti3C2/CdS nanorods composites were fabricated by electrostatic assembly strategy to achieve efficient uranium(VI) photoreduction without any sacrificial agents. While CdS is the main catalyst, Ti3C2 in the composites acts as a Janus co-catalyst for the photoreduction of uranium(VI), in view of the fact that it can simultaneously enhance the photocatalytic performance and the stability of CdS. With the initial uranium(VI) concentration at 50 ppm, 97% uranium(VI) reduction efficiency was achieved by the optimal Ti3C2/CdS composites during 40 min visible light irradiation without any sacrificial agents. The kinetic reaction rate reaches as high as 1520 mu mol/(g.h). Meanwhile, the Ti3C2/CdS composites keep high performance regardless of acidic, neutral and alkali conditions. The findings of this work highlight the vast opportunities for Ti3C2/CdS composites in the treatment of radioactive wastewater.

Automated summary

The visible-light-driven 2D/1D Ti3C2/CdS nanorods composites were fabricated by electrostatic assembly for efficient uranium(VI) photoreduction without sacrificial agents. The composites exhibited high reduction efficiency, rapid reaction rate, and excellent performance in various pH conditions, highlighting the potential of Ti3C2/CdS composites in treating radioactive wastewater.