Two-dimensional Ti_(3)C_(2)T_(X)-nanosheets/Cu_(2)O composite as a high-performance photocatalyst for decomposition of tetracycline

Construction of photocatalysts with a Schottky heterojunction could realize highly efficient and stable degradation of organic pollutes in the wastewater.In this work,a precipitation method was used to prepare Ti_(3)C_(2)T_(X)-nanosheets/Cu_(2)O composite photocatalysts with the Schottky heterojunction for the decomposition of tetracycline(TC)antibiotics under visible light.As-prepared photocatalysts were characterized by various techniques such as X-ray diffraction analysis(XRD),High resolution transmission electron microscopy(TEM)and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy(XPS).When the best Ti_(3)C_(2)T_(X)-nanosheets/Cu_(2)O composite was applied for the degradation of TC under visible light,the degradation efficiency reached up to 97.6%only in 50 min.It is considered that superoxide radical(O_(2)^(→))and hole(h^(+))were the main reactive species for the TC degradation,and in the Schottky heterojunction,e^(-)-h^(+)pairs in the catalyst could be transferred and separated effectively,resulting in obviously enhanced photocatalytic efficiency and stability.