Ag@Nb2CTx MXene Composites for Efficient Photocatalytic Degradation of Antibiotics

Abstract

Medicines are crucial for our health, but the discharge of untreated wastewater containing antibiotics by pharmaceutical industries into reservoirs even at low concentration and their degraded products can lead to serious issues such as skin cancer, allergies, and other diseases. Addressing this environmental concern is essential for the well-being of both human and the planet. Research on two-dimensional materials, driven by their remarkable properties, has led to the discovery of MXenes. These 2D materials, with their large surface area, tunable electronic structure, and excellent conductivity, make effective photocatalysts by enhancing light absorption and charge separation. In this study, silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs), known for their antimicrobial and catalytic properties, were incorporated into MXene sheets to enhance their capabilities for applications such as antibiotic degradation in water purification. The MXene/Ag NPs composites were synthesized by a cost effective and simple self-assembly electrostatic method, characterized, and evaluated, showing superior photocatalytic activity compared to pure MXene. This improved degradation efficiency is due to reduced charge recombination in the nanocomposites. The synthesized nanocomposites show strong potential for catalytic applications.