Well-designed 2D/2D Ti₃C₂T_A/R MXene coupled g-C₃N₄ heterojunction with in-situ growth of anatase/rutile TiO₂ nucleates to boost photocatalytic dry-reforming of methane (DRM) for syngas production under visible light

Well-designed fabrication of 2D/2D g-C₃N₄/Ti₃C₂T_A/R (CN/TCT) MXene heterojunction with in-situ growth of TiO₂-nucleates for boosting photocatalytic dry reforming of methane (DRM) has been investigated. Samples were synthesized through controlled chemical etching process to construct a TiO₂ (anatase/rutile) embedded Ti₃C₂ (TCT) with layer by layer construction of g-C₃N₄, resulting in higher visible light absorption and proficient charges separation. Etching Ti₃AlC₂ with HF (49 vol. %) produces more TiO₂ compared with HF (39 vol. %), whereas, amount of TiO₂ produced was dependent on reaction time. The CN/TCT composite exhibited H₂ and CO rate of 51.24 and 73.31 μmole g^-1 h^-1, much higher than using CN and TCT. This reveals layered Ti₃C₂ sheets embedded anatase/rutile TiO₂, enabling proficient charge carrier separation with light absorption. The effect of feed ratio (CO₂/CH₄) further confirmed efficient sorption process with good recyclability and would be beneficial to promote the conversion of CO₂ and CH₄ to syngas under visible light.