Interfacial engineering of 2D/2D MXene heterostructures: face-to-face contact for augmented photodegradation of amoxicillin

Abstract Antimicrobial resistance caused by the abuse of antibiotics constitutes a global burden that will jeopardize the ecosystem and public health. Herein, we reported an efficient and eco-friendly way based on photocatalysis for the degradation of amoxicillin, the most widely used antibiotic. A unique 2D/2D Bi2WO6/Ti3C2 MXene heterostructure with facet-to-face contact was elaborately constructed that allowed complete removal of amoxicillin in less than 40 min, superior to the respective constituents. It was demonstrated that the photocatalytic mechanism of the composite photocatalyst lied in the enhanced light adsorption capability, rapid charge carrier transfer and photothermal conversion property, which, in essence, fostered the generation of reactive oxygen species, mainly holes (h+) and superoxide anion radicals ( O2−). This work involving the design of nanostructured catalysts and the advances of photocatalysis technology may provide fresh ideas for the wastewater treatment, degradation of organic pollutants, etc, for the environmental remediation.