Hierarchical Ti₃C₂/CdIn₂S₄ micro-flower facilitates enhanced tetracycline degradation and Cr(VI) reduction

Developing of a photocatalyst for the degradation and reduction of high concentrated pollutants from wastewater is of great importance. 2D/2D flower-like Ti3C2/CdIn2S4 (MXCIS) was successfully prepared by integrating Ti3C2 and CdIn2S4 using a hydrothermal method. MXCIS-8 possess the best photocatalytic activity, and its removal efficiency of 50 mg/L of TC and Cr (VI) can reach 80.4% and 60.8%, respectively. This is caused by the Schottky heterostructure with the well 2D/2D interface, which can boost its photon capture performance and effectively hinder the recombination of photo-generated electrons and holes. Hydroxyl radicals, superoxide radicals, and h(+) participate in the TC degradation, and both acidic and alkaline conditions are conducive to enhancing the degradation activity of MXCIS-8. However, only e(-) is the main contributor to the Cr(VI) reduction, and the photocatalytic performance of MXCIS-8 decreases under alkaline conditions. Importantly, MXCIS-8 exhibits satisfactory physicochemical stability, recyclability, and environmental friendliness. Overall, this work confirms that MXCIS has broad application potential in the removal of Cr (VI) and TC pollutants in wastewater treatment.