Binary Ni2P/Ti3C2 Multilayer Cocatalyst Anchored TiO2 Nanocomposite with Etchant/Oxidation Grown TiO2 NPs for Enhancing Photocatalytic H2 Production

Ternary nickel phosphide (Ni 2 P) and titanium carbide (Ti 2 C 2 ) MXene supported titanium dioxide nanoparticles (TiO 2 NPs) to construct a Ni 2 P/TiO 2 NPs/Ti 3 C 2 MXene hybrid composite for stimulating photocatalytic hydrogen production has been investigated. The performance comparison of two-dimensional (2D) Ti 3 C 2 MXene multilayers with in situ grown TiO 2 NPs synthesized through etching and atmospheric calcination methods was conducted and promising separation of charge carriers was observed. TiO 2 NPs embedded over 2D Ti 3 C 2, synthesized through both methods, were found to have promise in promoting photoactivity, whereas 2.89 times more H 2 yield was attained with TiO 2 NPs embedded through the oxidation (ox) approach. Using the Ni 2 P/TiO 2 /Ti 3 C 2 -ox heterostructure, a rate of 9425 ppm g –1 h –1 of H 2 was reached, 2.77, 4.81, and 8.28 times more than those using Ni 2 P/TiO 2, TiO 2 /Ti 3 C 2 and TiO 2 samples, respectively. This obviously augmented H 2 production rate can be ascribed to a binary cocatalyst with efficient charge carrier separation, higher light absorption, and more attachment of water molecules. Among different alcohols, glycerol was a promising reagent to yield more hydrogen in addition to having higher photostability in consecutive cycles. This study provides a new approach to construct a ternary nanocomposite with proficient charge carrier separation and would be beneficial for other energy applications.