Bimetallic CuBi nanoparticles modified Ti₃C₂ MXene as an efficient cocatalyst for enhancing photocatalytic...

This study presents the synthesis of two-dimensional Ti₃C₂ MXene nanosheets decorated with copper (Cu) and bismuth (Bi) bimetallic nanoparticles for the oxidative degradation of acetaminophen in aqueous solutions. The CuBi/Ti₃C₂ composites were synthesized using a one-pot soft integration strategy based on wet chemical reduction. Comprehensive characterization of the nanocomposites was conducted to assess their crystallinity, morphology, optical, and electrochemical properties. The CuBi/Ti₃C₂ composite demonstrated exceptional photocatalytic activity for the degradation of acetaminophen under visible-light irradiation, achieving a remarkable 99.7 % removal of 10 mg/L acetaminophen within 180 min. This enhanced degradation performance is attributed to the synergistic effects between CuBi nanoparticles and Ti₃C₂ MXene nanosheets, which optimize the electronic structure, narrow the band gap, and enhance the separation and transfer efficiency of photogenerated charge carriers, thereby inhibiting the recombination of photo-induced electron-hole pairs. This study offers valuable insights into the design and development of high-performance cocatalysts as alternatives to noble metal materials for water treatment applications.