Ti3C2 quantum dots modified on BiOBr surface for sewage disposal: The induction of the piezo-phototronic effect from edge to whole

Piezo-photocatalytic system of two-dimensional (2D) composite can make the utmost of light and mechanic energy to degrade the contaminant and renovate our environment. Herein, we report a Ti3C2 quantum dots (TCQDs) decoration strategy that fully activates the piezo-phototronic effect in the piezo-photocatalytic system, extending the piezoelectric field from the edge of the nanosheet to the whole. The edge piezoelectric effect generated by the vibration of BiOBr nanosheets is extended to entire nanosheet by electron acceptor TCQDs, which further reduces the effect of recombinant of photo-induced carriers at the heterogeneous interface. The electron enrichment of TCQDs gives rise to admirable piezo-photocatalytic performance compared to different catalytic system for methyl violet (MV) decomposition. Especially, the 1 wt% TCQDs/BiOBr sample presents inspiring degradation rate (99.8%, 48 min), which is 5.29 and 3.48 times of the sole photocatalytic system and piezocatalytic reaction. This work provides a new view for activating the piezo-phototronic effect of whole nanosheets by quantum dots, which has great potential for rapid elimination of organic pollutants and preparation of efficient catalytic system.