Two-dimensional Ti3C2Tx anchored on three-dimensional SiC honeycomb framework for efficient and cyclic photocatalytic degradation of organic pollutants

• Published in: Ceramics international 2024-07, Vol.50 (14), p.25969-25977
• Main Authors: Tang, Chen, Feng, Shihui, Han, Bowen, Dong, Lei, Liu, Mengying, Chen, Xi, Tang, Yufei, Zhao, Kang
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Methylene blue; Photocatalytic degradation; Polymer-derived SiC; Ti3C2Tx nanosheets; Visible-light irradiation
• ISSN: 0272-8842; 1873-3956
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ceramint.2024.04.339

The excellent recyclability of SiC foam renders it an ideal catalyst in the field of photocatalytic degradation, however to further improve its photocatalytic efficiency remains a major challenge in current research. In this regard, a honeycomb-like porous SiC foam was successfully constructed through freeze-drying and polymer-to-ceramic derivation method, with two-dimensional Ti3C2Tx nanosheets anchored on its three-dimensional framework. Their photocatalytic performances were evaluated by the degradation of methylene blue (MB) under visible-light irradiation. All Ti3C2Tx/SiC hybrid foams show superior photocatalytic degradation capability compared with SiC foam, with a highest removal rate (adsorption and degradation) reaching 94.4% for TSF-4, denoting an increasement of 50.4%. Even after five cycles, the removal rate remained at 91.4% with only a slightly loss of 3%, suggesting its excellent recycling performance. These desirable results stem from the unique structural design, in which the porous structure facilitates the contact between catalyst and pollutant, while the Ti3C2Tx/SiC heterojunction promotes effective separation of photogenerated carriers. This work paves the way for the development of lightweight, efficient and easily recyclable photocatalyst for wastewater purification.