Recent advancements in photocatalysis have highlighted the exceptional potential of Bi2WO6/MXene composites, particularly in enhancing visible-light-driven photocatalytic efficiency. Bi2WO6, a layered perovskite material, exhibits a bandgap of ~2.7 eV, making it suitable for visible light absorption. However, its rapid electron-hole recombination limits its performance. MXene, a 2D transition metal carbide/nitride, with its high electrical conductivity (~10^4 S/cm) and large specific surface area (~200 m²/g), serves as an ideal co-catalyst. The integration of MXene with Bi2WO6 has been shown to reduce the recombination rate by 78%, as evidenced by photoluminescence spectroscopy. This synergy results in a 3.2-fold increase in photocatalytic degradation of methylene blue (MB) under visible light irradiation (λ > 420 nm), achieving 95% degradation within 60 minutes.
The unique interfacial engineering of Bi2WO6/MXene composites significantly enhances charge carrier dynamics. Advanced transient absorption spectroscopy reveals that the electron transfer rate at the Bi2WO6/MXene interface is accelerated by a factor of 5.3 compared to pristine Bi2WO6. This is attributed to the formation of Schottky junctions at the interface, which facilitate efficient electron migration from Bi2WO6 to MXene. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations further confirm a reduction in the work function of Bi2WO6 from 4.8 eV to 4.1 eV upon MXene incorporation, lowering the energy barrier for electron transfer. Consequently, the hydrogen evolution rate (HER) using these composites reaches 12.8 mmol·g⁻¹·h⁻¹ under simulated solar irradiation, outperforming most reported Bi-based photocatalysts.
The structural stability and recyclability of Bi2WO6/MXene composites are critical for practical applications. Studies demonstrate that these composites retain ~92% of their initial photocatalytic activity after 10 cycles of MB degradation, owing to MXene’s mechanical robustness and chemical inertness. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) analysis confirms minimal oxidation of MXene even after prolonged exposure to reactive oxygen species (ROS). Additionally, the composite’s specific surface area increases from 45 m²/g (pristine Bi2WO6) to 112 m²/g, enhancing adsorption capacity for organic pollutants.
The environmental applications of Bi2WO6/MXene composites extend beyond organic pollutant degradation to CO₂ photoreduction. Under optimized conditions (100 mW/cm² illumination, CO₂ flow rate = 20 mL/min), these composites achieve a CO production rate of 28.7 µmol·g⁻¹·h⁻¹ with a selectivity of ~85%. This performance is attributed to MXene’s ability to stabilize intermediate species during CO₂ reduction, as confirmed by in situ Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The composite’s dual functionality in pollutant degradation and CO₂ conversion positions it as a versatile material for sustainable environmental remediation.
Future research directions focus on tailoring the composition and morphology of Bi2WO6/MXene composites for specific applications. For instance, doping with transition metals like Fe or Co has been shown to further enhance visible light absorption and catalytic activity by up to 40%. Additionally, hierarchical nanostructures such as core-shell or porous architectures can optimize mass transfer and light utilization efficiency. These innovations promise to unlock new frontiers in photocatalysis, addressing global challenges in energy and environmental sustainability.
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