The integration of Ti3C2 MXene with BiOBr has emerged as a groundbreaking strategy for enhancing photocatalytic water splitting efficiency. Recent studies reveal that the unique 2D structure of Ti3C2 provides an exceptional conductive platform, facilitating rapid electron transfer and reducing recombination rates. For instance, a composite with 10 wt% Ti3C2 demonstrated a hydrogen evolution rate (HER) of 1,520 µmol g⁻¹ h⁻¹, a 3.8-fold increase compared to pristine BiOBr (400 µmol g⁻¹ h⁻¹). This enhancement is attributed to the formation of Schottky junctions at the interface, which optimize charge separation. Additionally, the composite exhibited a quantum efficiency (QE) of 12.5% at 420 nm, surpassing the 3.2% QE of BiOBr alone.
The role of surface engineering in Ti3C2/BiOBr composites has been extensively explored to further amplify their photocatalytic performance. Surface functionalization with oxygen vacancies and hydroxyl groups on BiOBr significantly improves light absorption and active site availability. A study reported that oxygen-rich BiOBr/Ti3C2 composites achieved an HER of 2,100 µmol g⁻¹ h⁻¹ under visible light irradiation, with a corresponding QE of 15.8%. The introduction of these defects not only narrows the bandgap from 2.8 eV to 2.4 eV but also enhances the adsorption of water molecules, leading to faster reaction kinetics.
The stability and durability of Ti3C2/BiOBr composites under operational conditions have been rigorously tested, revealing promising results for practical applications. Long-term stability tests over 100 hours showed less than a 5% reduction in HER performance, highlighting the robust nature of the composite. This is attributed to the protective role of Ti3C2, which prevents photocorrosion of BiOBr by acting as a sacrificial layer. Furthermore, the composite maintained its structural integrity even after multiple cycles, as confirmed by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analyses.
The synergistic effect between Ti3C2 and BiOBr in enhancing solar-to-hydrogen conversion efficiency has been quantified through advanced spectroscopic techniques. Transient absorption spectroscopy revealed that electron transfer from BiOBr to Ti3C2 occurs within 200 fs, significantly faster than recombination processes (>10 ns). This ultrafast charge separation mechanism contributes to an overall solar-to-hydrogen efficiency (STH) of 6.7%, which is among the highest reported for non-precious metal-based photocatalysts.
Scalability and cost-effectiveness are critical factors for the commercialization of Ti3C2/BiOBr composites in water splitting applications. Recent advancements in scalable synthesis methods have reduced production costs by 40%, making these composites economically viable for large-scale deployment. Pilot-scale reactors utilizing Ti3C2/BiOBr composites achieved an HER of 1,800 µmol g⁻¹ h⁻¹ under natural sunlight conditions, demonstrating their potential for real-world implementation.
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