2D/2D BiOIO3/Ti3C2 MXene nanocomposite with efficient charge separation for degradation of multiple pollutants

Co-catalysts can achieve efficient separation of photogenerated carriers and are considered as a promising strategy for solar photocatalytic removal of pollutants. Herein, we reported the synthesis of nanocomposite of BiOIO3/Ti3C2 MXene combining two dimensional 2D BiOIO3 with 2D Ti3C2 MXene co-catalyst. The few-layered 2D Ti3C2 MXene provided more adsorption and reaction sites. Furthermore, the synergism of intimate interfacial contact between the two 2D nanosheets and robust metallic electrical conductivity of Ti3C2 MXene significantly accelerated the separation and migration of photogenerated charge carriers. A variety of organic pollutants were proved to be effectively degraded by 2D/2D BiOIO3/Ti3C2 MXene composites. The degradation efficiencies followed the order tetracycline hydrochloride (93.4 %) > diclofenac sodium (87.6 %) > levofloxacin hydrochloride (77.4 %) > 4-nitrophenol (43.3%). Besides, the satisfactory recycling and stability of BiOIO3/Ti3C2 MXene for the degradation of organic pollutants in water under solar irradiation predicted its good prospect for practical applications.