Synthesis, characterization, photocatalytic and antibacterial properties of copper Ferrite/MXene (CuFe2O4/Ti3C2) nanohybrids

The synthesis of CuFe2O4/MXene nanohybrids was carried out via an ultrasonication approach. The prepared composite material exhibited an outstanding photocatalytic performance and antibacterial activity compared to individual CuFe2O4 (CF) and MXene. The CF nanonuts (Nns) assisted the reduced aggregation of MXene layers. The structural and morphological analysis of the presented nanohybrids were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), and ultraviolet (UV)-visible spectroscopy. The obtained sheet-to-sheet linkage provided an opportunity for the degradation of organic dyes. The photocatalyst CF/MXene nanohybrids exhibited 4.5-fold higher photocatalytic activity than pristine CF. The mechanism of degradation of methylene blue dye by CF/MXene was explained through kinetic studies. This work will offer significant scientific contributions to researchers working on water desalination.