Neodymium-doped nickel cobaltite reinforced with 2D MXene nanocomposite (Nd-NiCo2O4/MXene) for enhanced photocatalytic degradation of the organic pollutants

In the quest for sustainable strategies for environmental remediation and wastewater treatment, composite material-based visible light-responsive photocatalysis has emerged as a highly efficient method that is not only facile but also economical. Herein, we have synthesized pure (NiCo2O4) and Nd-doped (Nd-NiCo2O4) nickel cobaltite nanoparticles and incorporated doped material on 2D MXene to fabricate nanocomposite (Nd-NiCo2O4/MXene). The prepared samples were characterized to exploit the effect of Nd-doping and composite formation on structural, electrical, and optical properties. The photocatalytic potential of composite material was investigated by targeting malachite green and pendimethalin. In comparison to pure and doped materials, the nanocomposite demonstrated superior photocatalytic efficiency for the degradation of targeted pollutants. This enhanced catalytic activity is attributed to the synergism of rare earth metal doping and composite formation which result in enhanced absorption in visible light and lower coupling of charge carriers. Systematic studies revealed the promising potential of the Nd-NiCo2O4/MXene nanocomposite for solar light harvesting in wastewater remediation applications.