Well-designed 2D/2D Ti3C2TA/R MXene coupled g-C3N4 heterojunction with in-situ growth of anatase/rutile TiO2 nucleates to boost photocatalytic dry-reforming of methane (DRM) for syngas production under visible light

Abstract

Well-designed fabrication of 2D/2D g-C3N4/Ti3C2TA/R (CN/TCT) MXene heterojunction with in-situ growth of TiO2-nucleates for boosting photocatalytic dry reforming of methane (DRM) has been investigated. Samples were synthesized through controlled chemical etching process to construct a TiO2 (anatase/rutile) embedded Ti3C2 (TCT) with layer by layer construction of g-C3N4, resulting in higher visible light absorption and proficient charges separation. Etching Ti3AlC2 with HF (49 vol. %) produces more TiO2 compared with HF (39 vol. %), whereas, amount of TiO2 produced was dependent on reaction time. The CN/TCT composite exhibited H2 and CO rate of 51.24 and 73.31 µmole g-1 h-1, much higher than using CN and TCT. This reveals layered Ti3C2 sheets embedded anatase/rutile TiO2, enabling proficient charge carrier separation with light absorption. The effect of feed ratio (CO2/CH4) further confirmed efficient sorption process with good recyclability and would be beneficial to promote the conversion of CO2 and CH4 to syngas under visible light.