PMMA microspheres-embedded Ti3C2Tx MXene heterophotocatalysts synergistically working for multiple dye degradation

Abstract

We developed a novel MXene/polymer hybrid material for enhanced photodegradation of multiple organic dyes. Specifically, uniform-sized PMMA microspheres and multilayer Ti₃C₂T_x MXene were integrated through a facile solution process to form PMMA/Ti₃C₂T_x composites. The hybridization of the two components significantly increased the specific surface area and pore volume. An optimized composite showed high photocatalytic activity, demonstrating 93 and 98 % degradation efficiencies for orange G (OG) and rhodamine B (RhB) in 60 min of light illumination. Furthermore, the composite revealed good recyclability without a significant performance drop even after four cycles. Moreover, the composite retained its high photocatalytic activity at various conditions, including elevated temperatures, a wide range of pH levels, and in tap water. These results manifest that the PMMA/Ti₃C₂T_x hetero-photocatalyst is well suited for use in wastewater treatment and environmental cleanup.