Accordion-like multilayer Ti3C2Tx MXene sheets decorated 1D Mn2O3 nanorods-based nanocomposites: An efficient catalyst for swift removal of single and mixed dyes

Abstract

Ti3C2Tx-MXene-based nanocomposites were prepared with 1D Mn2O3 through the electrostatic self-assembly method. The synthesized nanocomposites are investigated for photocatalytic degradation of individual dye, mixed cationic and anionic dyes under visible light irradiation. The cubic bixbyite structure of 1D Mn2O3 was confirmed in the nanocomposites by the XRD and Raman spectroscopy analyses. The band gap energy of the 1D Mn2O3-Ti3C2Tx MXene (5–20 wt%) nanocomposites was estimated to range from 0.9 eV to 0.2 eV through the Tauc plot, implying their application as a photocatalyst under visible light illumination. The randomly oriented nanorods were decorated on the accordion-like Ti3C2Tx MXene sheets and were confirmed by the SEM, FESEM and TEM analyses. The average diameter of Mn2O3 nanorods (87 nm) and interlayer spacing of Ti3C2Tx MXene sheets (172 nm) were measured from FESEM analysis. The Mn, O, Ti, C and F elemental compositions of the composites were analyzed by the EDAX. The 100% degradation efficiency of methylene blue (MB) dye was achieved in the presence of 1D Mn2O3-Ti3C2Tx (20 wt%) nanocomposite and the same was used to degrade the mixed cationic and anionic dyes. In mixed dyes, methyl orange (MO), rhodamine B (RhB) and methylene blue (MB) achieved degradation efficiencies of 82%, 80% and 96%, respectively. Based on the scavenger's experiment, the hydroxyl radical (OH−) and superoxide anion radicals (O2°−), were the dominant reactive species in the dye degradation.