Structural, optical, and photocatalytic efficacy of Ti3C2 and M2C (M=Ti, V, Cr, Nb) MXene materials synthesized by etching technique

The etching process was used to create MXenes (Nb2C, Ti2C, Ti3C2, Cr2C, and V2C) utilizing their respective predecessors, MAX phases Nb2AlC, Ti2AlC, Ti3AlC2, Cr2AlC, and V2AlC. The surface morphology and structural characteristics of the material were examined using x-ray diffraction and a scanning electron microscope (SEM), respectively. The SEM pictures are used to corroborate the layer architectures of the MXenes. The estimated bandgaps range from 1.76 to 1.81 eV, aligning with published values and suitable for light interaction and photodegradation processes. The Fourier transform infrared analysis further validates the functional group of the synthesized MXenes. Higher degradation efficiencies of 96%, 94%, and 75% within 120, 160, and 160 min are demonstrated by Nb2C, Ti2C, and Ti3C2, respectively. The etching of Al from the Nb2AlC, Ti2AlC, and Ti3AlC2 MAX phases leads to an enhanced surface area, which improves the photodegradation performance. The findings align with the SEM pictures, which unequivocally demonstrate the strong gaps formed by etching the middle layer of their predecessor MAX phases. As a result, Nb2C, Ti2C, and Ti3C2 MXenes can be suggested as a very efficient and rapid catalyst to address significant environmental pollution issues.