2D/2D Schottky-type hybrid heterocatalyst comprising S-doped g-C₃N₄ and delaminated Ti₃C₂ MXene: Synergistic interplay of dual strategies for effective H₂ generation and pollutant degradation

The quest for sustainable solutions to environmental pollution and energy scarcity has prompted the exploration of advanced photocatalytic materials. This study introduces an efficient 2D/2D Schottky-type hybrid heterocatalyst that combines sulfur-doped 2D g-C₃N₄ (SCN) with delaminated 2D Ti₃C₂ (TC) MXene, designed for effective H₂ generation and antibiotic pollutant degradation under visible light. This hybrid system leverages the synergistic interplay of two strategies: electronic band structure engineering and conductive TC MXene cocatalyst integration, addressing the critical limitations inherent in g-C₃N₄. The TC-4/SCN hybrid, with its optimized TC content, exhibits exceptional photocatalytic performance, achieving an H₂ production yield of 79.5 μmol over 5 h and an apparent quantum efficiency of 9.2 %. Moreover, this hybrid demonstrates significant effectiveness in degrading and mineralizing the antibiotic levofloxacin, surpassing g-C₃N₄, SCN, other TC/SCN hybrids, and several advanced photocatalysts previously reported. Detailed characterization and mechanistic investigations attribute the outstanding photocatalytic activity to efficient charge transfer, separation, reduced recombination rates, strong optical absorption, and a large specific surface area, all of which are facilitated by the dual strategies employed in creating the 2D/2D Schottky-type heterojunction. Furthermore, reusability tests confirmed the durability and stability of the TC-4/SCN, highlighting its practical applicability for repeated use in environmental and energy applications.