The integration of Ti3C2Tx MXene with TiO2 and BiVO4 has emerged as a groundbreaking strategy to enhance the photoelectrochemical (PEC) performance of water-splitting cells. Recent studies reveal that the Ti3C2Tx/TiO2/BiVO4 composite achieves a photocurrent density of 6.8 mA/cm² at 1.23 V vs. RHE under AM 1.5G illumination, a 230% improvement over pristine BiVO4 (2.06 mA/cm²). This enhancement is attributed to the synergistic effects of Ti3C2Tx's high electrical conductivity (≈10,000 S/cm) and TiO2's efficient charge separation, which collectively reduce recombination losses. Additionally, the composite exhibits a significant reduction in onset potential from 0.6 V to 0.4 V vs. RHE, highlighting its superior catalytic activity.
The structural and morphological optimization of Ti3C2Tx/TiO2/BiVO4 composites plays a pivotal role in their PEC performance. Advanced characterization techniques, such as TEM and XPS, confirm the formation of a heterojunction between TiO2 and BiVO4, with Ti3C2Tx acting as an electron bridge. The optimized composite demonstrates a charge separation efficiency (ηsep) of 85%, compared to 45% for bare BiVO4, due to the tailored interface engineering and enhanced light absorption in the visible spectrum (absorbance >90% at λ = 450 nm). Furthermore, the incorporation of Ti3C2Tx reduces the charge transfer resistance (Rct) from 450 Ω to 120 Ω, as evidenced by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS).
The stability and durability of Ti3C2Tx/TiO2/BiVO4 composites under operational conditions are critical for their practical application in PEC cells. Long-term stability tests reveal that the composite retains over 90% of its initial photocurrent density after 24 hours of continuous illumination, compared to a 50% degradation observed in pristine BiVO4. This exceptional stability is attributed to the protective role of Ti3C2Tx against photocorrosion and the robust mechanical integrity of the heterostructure. Moreover, the composite demonstrates excellent chemical stability in a wide pH range (pH 3–11), making it suitable for diverse operating environments.
The scalability and cost-effectiveness of synthesizing Ti3C2Tx/TiO2/BiVO4 composites have been addressed through innovative fabrication techniques such as hydrothermal synthesis and spin coating. These methods enable large-scale production with minimal material waste, achieving a yield efficiency of >95%. The cost analysis indicates that the composite can be produced at $15/m², significantly lower than conventional Pt-based catalysts ($50/m²). This cost reduction, coupled with superior PEC performance, positions Ti3C2Tx/TiO2/BiVO4 as a viable candidate for commercial water-splitting applications.
Future research directions for Ti3C2Tx/TiO2/BiVO4 composites focus on further enhancing their PEC efficiency through advanced doping strategies and nanostructuring. Preliminary results show that doping with transition metals like Co or Ni can increase the photocurrent density by an additional 15–20%, while hierarchical nanostructures improve light trapping and charge collection efficiency by up to 30%. These advancements are expected to push the solar-to-hydrogen (STH) conversion efficiency beyond 10%, paving the way for sustainable hydrogen production on an industrial scale.
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