L. Bishwas , Md. Nizam Uddin
Shahjalal University of Science & Technology,Sylhet,Bangladesh,
Bangladesh
Keywords: MXene (Ti₃C₂Tₓ), Graphitic carbon nitride (g-C₃N₄), Cerium oxide (CeO₂), Hybrid composite,Hydrothermal synthesis, E. coli, Photodegradation, Antimicrobial, photovoltaic , Power conversion efficiency
Summary:
MXenes(Ti₃C₂Tₓ )possess unique properties, such as high electrical conductivity and suitable bandgap, due to which they are very useful in a large number of applications such as photovoltaic,energy sectors,photocatalitic, biomedical, and environmental sectors.In this study,we report the synthesis ,characterization, and application of a novel hybrid composite consisting of graphitic carbon nitride (g-C₃N₄), MXene (Ti₃C₂Tₓ), and cerium oxide (CeO₂).We synthesized this composite using a nanostructuring approach & Hydrothermal process.Structural and morphological characterizations were performed using X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), Raman spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), PL(photoluminescence)& UV-Vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy.These analyses confirmed the successful integration of MXene and CeO₂ with g-C₃N₄, leading to bandgap modulation, enhanced light absorption, and improved charge transfer efficiency.We explored its application such as photovoltaic performance, antimicrobial activity(into E coli under light & dark conditions), and photodegradation capabilities.The photovoltaic studies demonstrated improved charge separation and reduced recombination rates, confirmed through photoluminescence (PL) and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) & also other potentiostate results.These enhancements contributed to superior power conversion efficiency (PCE), making the composite a viable candidate for next-generation solar energy devices.In antimicrobial evaluations, the composite exhibited potent bactericidal activity against E. Coli bacteria, attributed to intrinsic antimicrobial properties of MXene & CeO2.This composite kills E.coli bacteria more than others composite.Moreover the composite demonstrated highly efficient photocatalytic degradation of organic pollutants under visible-light irradiation.The presence of MXene facilitated electron transport, while CeO₂ played a crucial role in trap-state modulation, collectively enhancing photodegradation efficiency. The material successfully degraded pollutants at a faster rate compared to conventional photocatalysts, highlighting its application in environmental remediation.These findings underscore the synergistic effects of g-C₃N₄, MXene, and CeO₂, demonstrating their potential in energy, environmental, and biomedical domains. The rational design and integration of these nanomaterials open new possibilities for high-performance hybrid composites with improved stability,efficiency, and multifunctionality.This research provides a fundamental understanding of hybrid material interactions, paving the way for scalable and sustainable applications in emerging technologies.