Advancements in MXene-Based Photocatalysis: Unleashing Its Potential for Enhanced Water Treatment Processes

Abstract

Water contamination with active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) is a pressing environmental issue due to the potential impact on fauna, flora, and human health. To address this problem, we propose the use of photocatalysis as an effective method for the degradation of emerging contaminants present in water. Our research focuses on the application of MXene compounds in the photocatalytic degradation of APIs such as carbamazepine, acetaminophen, and ibuprofen. These substances are classified as persistent organic pollutants and emerging contaminants, which are among the pharmaceuticals commonly found in aquatic ecosystems worldwide. In the present work, the Ti₃C₂T_x was used as a co-catalyst for photocatalytic processes and as a precursor to obtain TiO₂/Ti₃C₂ composites. Additionally, we propose methods for modifying TiO₂/Ti₃C₂ composites with metal particles, such as iron and copper, and spinel ferrite of MnFe₂O₄ to improve their physicochemical properties. The surface modification of the composites with metals resulted in higher photocatalytic activity in the degradation of APIs under UV-vis irradiation. Moreover, the introduction of magnetic MnFe₂O₄ nanoparticles enabled the effective separation of the photocatalyst after the degradation process. Finally, our research demonstrates the potential for synergism between photocatalysis and the activation of peroxymonosulfate (PMS) with Cu or MnFe₂O₄, leading to the production of highly reactive sulfate radicals and enhanced degradation of APIs.