Synergistic photothermal conversion and photocatalysis in 2D/2D MXene/Bi2S3 hybrids for efficient solar-driven water purification

Plasmonic hybrids are regarded as promising candidates for water purification due to their structure-dependent photocatalysis and photothermal performance. It remains a challenge to develop materials that possess these two characteristics for efficient water purification. Herein, plasmonic Ti3C2Tx/Bi2S3 two-dimensional (2D)/2D hybrids were prepared for efficient solar-driven water purification via the combination of photothermal conversion and photocatalysis. Benefitting from broad light absorption, large 2D/2D interfaces, and efficient charge transfer, the binary hybrids showed high-efficiency photothermal conversion and photothermal-assisted photocatalytic activity. By depositing these 2D/2D hybrids on a hydrophilic and porous cotton piece, the Ti3C2Tx/Bi2S3 membrane displayed a high water evaporation rate and solar-to-vapor efficiency under one-sun irradiation. The solar-driven evaporation of seawater, heavy metal ion solution, and dye solution jointly indicated that the plasmonic membrane shows great potential for drinkable water generation and industrial wastewater treatment. Most importantly, the synergistic effect of photothermal evaporation and photocatalysis of the Ti3C2Tx/Bi2S3 membrane on water purification was demonstrated. The polluted water can not only be treated by evaporation, but also be degraded via photocatalysis under solar light irradiation. This work provides new insight into designing functional materials for water purification based on the combination of photothermal conversion and photocatalysis.

Automated summary

Plasmonic Ti3C2Tx/Bi2S3 two-dimensional (2D)/2D hybrids were prepared for efficient solar-driven water purification through combining photothermal conversion and photocatalysis. The hybrids showed high-efficiency photothermal conversion and photothermal-assisted photocatalytic activity, demonstrating great potential for drinkable water generation and industrial wastewater treatment. The synergistic effect of photothermal evaporation and photocatalysis on water purification was highlighted, providing new insight into designing functional materials for water purification.