Z-scheme TiO 2 @Ti 3 C 2 /Cd 0.5 Zn 0.5 S nanocomposites with efficient photocatalytic performance via one-step hydrothermal route

Abstract Photocatalytic degradation of pollutants has been proved to be an effective strategy for wastewater treatment. Herein, TiO 2 nanoparticles were synthesized on a Ti 3 C 2 matrix by in situ growth, forming Z-scheme TiO 2 @Ti 3 C 2 /Cd 0.5 Zn 0.5 S (TO/CZS) multilevel structured nanocomposites via one-step hydrothermal route. The effects of hydrothermal temperature and Cd 0.5 Zn 0.5 S content on microstructure and properties of composites were assessed. TO/CZS nanocomposites were probed into phase composition, morphological and optical properties with x-ray diffractometer, infrared radiation, scanning electron microscope and UV–vis reflective spectra. Following the hydrothermal reaction at 160 °C for 12 h, TiO 2 nanoparticles of 30 nm in diameter were generated in situ on Ti 3 C 2 lamina and Cd 0.5 Zn 0.5 S particles were evenly distributed on the Ti 3 C 2 matrix. The photocatalytic activity of TO/CZS composites were evaluated, which found that degradation rate constant ( k = 0.028 min −1 ) of TO/CZS-40 on Rhodamine B was 5.19 times that of pure TiO 2 and 4.48 times that of Cd 0.5 Zn 0.5 S. Through anchoring Ti 3 C 2 as an electron transition mediator and combination with TiO 2 and Cd 0.5 Zn 0.5 S, the new Z-scheme between TiO 2 oxidized by Ti 3 C 2 and Cd 0.5 Zn 0.5 S establishes a multilevel structure of separating electron-hole pairs. This work demonstrates a valid way to control electrons and hole transfer directions efficiently through designing multilevel semiconductor structural designs.