Hierarchical MXene (Nb2C, V2C)/Bi2WO6 heterostructure via face-to-face coupling for enhanced pollutant removal

To improve the photocatalytic performance of single-phase Bi 2 WO 6 , the heterojunction construction is usually employed to effectively separate and transport photo-induced carriers. Herein, MXene/Bi 2 WO 6 heterojunction (NB2 and VB2) with face-to-face contact and hierarchical structure was constructed by growing ultrafine Bi 2 WO 6 nanosheets on the surface of two-dimensional MXene (Nb 2 C and V 2 C) materials. Compared with the original Bi 2 WO 6 , the hybrids exhibited a larger specific surface area (42.17 m 2 ∙g −1 for NB2, 50.15 m 2 ∙g −1 for VB2), and displayed significant enhancements in the photodegradation of anionic MO (13.8-fold, 6.5-fold), cationic RhB (9.1-fold, 4.5-fold), and neutral phenol (8.5-fold, 6.1-fold), respectively. This is mainly attributed to the heterostructures via face-to-face coupling which can facilitate the tuning of the photoresponsive properties and internal energy level structure, as well as the generation of free radicals ( • O 2 - , • OH, and h + ) for the stepwise redox process in photodegradation. Therefore, this work is expected to expand the diverse use of Non-Ti 3 C 2 MXene in photocatalysis, meanwhile provide important guidance for the harmless treatment of organic pollutants.