2D hydroxylated MXene (OH-MXene)/RGO composites modification toward superior electrocatalytic degradation of paracetamol

Abstract

The MXene precursor was adjusted with a combination of –OH grafting and reduced graphene oxide (RGO) via alkalization and hydrothermal method to improve the electrocatalytic performance. The as-prepared hydroxylated MXene (OH-MXene)/RGO composites possess maximum 100 % paracetamol (APAP) degradation efficiency under an applied current of 15 mA, temperature of 25 °C, and electrolyte of 1 g/L NaCl. All characterization and experiment results showed that the grafting of –OH groups into MXene could access the active site of Ti-OH, strengthen the linking of OH-MXene and RGO layers (as C-Ti-Ox), accelerate the free electrons transfer from OH-MXene to RGO; thus, enhancing the catalytic activity of OH-MXene/RGO composites. Then, •OH, 1O2, O2•−, and active chlorine were determined as secondary active species in the solution, which dominated the APAP degradation. Three degradation pathways of APAP were further proven by gas chromatography-mass spectrum (GC–MS) with cleavage of N-branched chain and benzene rings. In addition, the superior and stable performance of OH-MG-15h under various operation conditions confirmed the application perspective of self-prepared material. The research not only provides feasible methods for MXene adjustment and electrocatalytic activity improvement but also proves its possibility for environmental application.