Facile synthesis of PbBiO2X/Ti3C2 MXene composites with efficient visible photocatalytic activity

The exploration of visible photocatalysts for the degradation of organic pollutants is still important for human beings. Herein, three series of novel PbBiO2X/Ti3C2 (X = Cl, Br and I) composited photocatalysts were synthesized for the first time. These PbBiO2X-based photocatalysts were prepared by changing the weight amount of Ti3C2 MXene. PbBiO2X nanoplates were distributed on the surface of an organ-like Ti3C2 MXene. The optimized PbBiO2Cl composited with a 10% weight ratio of Ti3C2 MXene, PbBiO2Br and PbBiO2I composited with a 5% weight ratio of Ti3C2 MXene achieved visible activity in the photo-degradation of 4-CP (4-chlorophenol) and MO (methyl orange). The strong interaction at the interface between PbBiO2X and the Ti3C2 Mxene plays a crucial role in enhancing the catalytic performance. The composition of the Ti3C2 Mxene extended the visible absorption and promoted the separation of photo-induced carriers. The photocatalytic mechanism for three PbBiO2X/Ti3C2 composites is proposed based on experimental results and analysis. This work can provide better guidance for the development of Mxene-based nanocomposites for water treatment and other practical applications.