Abstract MXenes are two-dimensional materials that possess promising optical properties, but their quantum properties are still waiting to be discovered. This work focuses on Nb2CTx MXene, which displays superior charge separation and reduction of recombination. These features were employed to decompose organic compounds photocatalytically. The delaminated Nb2CTx MXene containing (SL) single-layered flakes was compared with its multilayered (ML) Nb2CTx counterpart. SL Nb2CTx MXene achieved almost 95% efficiency in photocatalytically decomposing methylene blue dye under UV, simulated white (400–700 nm), and cyan (500 nm) light irradiation. The 100-fold higher concentration of commercial textile dye was decomposed by 80% under white light irradiation. The SL Nb2CTx showed greater than 60% better results in decomposing organic dye than SL Ti3C2Tx MXene after 30 min. The fast decomposition of organic dyes is owing to the activity of reactive oxygen species generated on the materials’ surface under light irradiation. Ultimately, the SL Nb2CTx MXene was regenerated and reused. Graphical abstract Impact statement This study presents a novel approach to enhancing photocatalytic activity by incorporating Nb2CTx MXene, a two-dimensional (2D) nanomaterial, into photocatalytic matrices. This innovative method holds significant promise for tissue engineering, environmental protection, and wastewater treatment due to the excellent efficiency and structural stability conferred by MXene. Unlike traditional photocatalysts, MXene can be used under specific red light irradiation, can be reused in the photocatalysis process, and demonstrates environmentally friendly properties. Furthermore, Nb2CTx MXene is an excellent material for decomposing commercial organic compounds, which are much more difficult to remove than model dyes. The research aligns with the aims and scope of MRS Bulletin by contributing to the understanding of the photocatalytic decomposition mechanism of both model and commercial textile dyes within MXene, as well as their outstanding optical and physicochemical properties. The synthesis and characterization of Nb2CTx MXene, and its properties, address key topics within the journal’s scope, including chemical routes to materials and 2D materials. The study’s findings on structural stabilization, the influence of synthesis on the material’s properties, and its surface activity are consistent with the journal’s focus on innovative materials.

Photocatalytic Nb₂CT_x MXene demonstrated for decomposing organic compounds

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2025年10月7日

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Dominika Bury,
Michał Jakubczak,
Dorota Moszczyńska,
Kaitlyn Prenger,
Michael Naguib,
Agnieszka Maria Jastrzębska

摘要

Abstract

MXenes are two-dimensional materials that possess promising optical properties, but their quantum properties are still waiting to be discovered. This work focuses on Nb₂CT_x MXene, which displays superior charge separation and reduction of recombination. These features were employed to decompose organic compounds photocatalytically. The delaminated Nb₂CT_x MXene containing (SL) single-layered flakes was compared with its multilayered (ML) Nb₂CT_x counterpart. SL Nb₂CT_x MXene achieved almost 95% efficiency in photocatalytically decomposing methylene blue dye under UV, simulated white (400–700 nm), and cyan (500 nm) light irradiation. The 100-fold higher concentration of commercial textile dye was decomposed by 80% under white light irradiation. The SL Nb₂CT_x showed greater than 60% better results in decomposing organic dye than SL Ti₃C₂T_x MXene after 30 min. The fast decomposition of organic dyes is owing to the activity of reactive oxygen species generated on the materials’ surface under light irradiation. Ultimately, the SL Nb₂CT_x MXene was regenerated and reused.

Graphical abstract

Impact statement

This study presents a novel approach to enhancing photocatalytic activity by incorporating Nb₂CT_x MXene, a two-dimensional (2D) nanomaterial, into photocatalytic matrices. This innovative method holds significant promise for tissue engineering, environmental protection, and wastewater treatment due to the excellent efficiency and structural stability conferred by MXene. Unlike traditional photocatalysts, MXene can be used under specific red light irradiation, can be reused in the photocatalysis process, and demonstrates environmentally friendly properties. Furthermore, Nb₂CT_x MXene is an excellent material for decomposing commercial organic compounds, which are much more difficult to remove than model dyes.

The research aligns with the aims and scope of MRS Bulletin by contributing to the understanding of the photocatalytic decomposition mechanism of both model and commercial textile dyes within MXene, as well as their outstanding optical and physicochemical properties. The synthesis and characterization of Nb₂CT_x MXene, and its properties, address key topics within the journal’s scope, including chemical routes to materials and 2D materials. The study’s findings on structural stabilization, the influence of synthesis on the material’s properties, and its surface activity are consistent with the journal’s focus on innovative materials.

Photocatalytic Nb2CTx MXene demonstrated for decomposing organic compounds

摘要

Photocatalytic Nb₂CT_x MXene demonstrated for decomposing organic compounds