RGO-wrapped Ti3C2/TiO2 nanowires as a highly efficient photocatalyst for simultaneous reduction of Cr(VI) and degradation of RhB under visible light irradiation

A novel photocatalyst of rGO-wrapped Ti3C2/TiO2 nanowires ((Ti3C2/TiO2)@rGO) was successfully synthesized to remove hexavalent chromium (Cr(VI)) and Rhodamine B (RhB) from wastewater. Among the prepared photocatalysts, (Ti3C2/TiO2)@rGO-15 showed the highest photocatalytic activity in both single and mixed pollutant solutions. The excellent photocatalytic activity was ascribed to the enhanced separation efficiency of e(-) and h(+) resulted from the Schottky barrier established in (Ti3C2/TiO2)@rGO. Ti3C2 gathered the stimulated electrons originated from TiO2 and further transferred them to rGO, thus enhancing the separation efficiency of e(-) and h(+). Furthermore, different scavengers were employed to determine the reactive species involved in the photocatalytic reaction system. This work may provide a promising way to promote the separation efficiency of e(-) and h(+) via appropriate incorporation of co-catalyst. (c) 2021 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Automated summary

The novel photocatalyst (Ti3C2/TiO2)@rGO was synthesized to efficiently remove hexavalent chromium and Rhodamine B from wastewater, showing enhanced photocatalytic activity due to improved electron-hole separation efficiency. Ti3C2 played a key role in electron collection and transfer, enhancing the separation efficiency of electrons and holes, suggesting a promising approach to promote photocatalytic activity.