Semiconductor Physics, Quantum Electronics & Optoelectronics, 28 (3), P. 306–314 (2025).
DOI: https://doi.org/10.15407/spqeo28.03.306

MXene-integrated two-dimensional photocatalysts: A new frontier in sustainable degradation of organic dyes

J.A. Buledi^1,2, S. Golovynskyi², V.M. Kravchenko³, J. Qu², I. Golovynska^2,*, A.R. Solangi<sup>1

1</sup>National Centre of Excellence in Analytical Chemistry, University of Sindh, 76080 Jamshoro, Pakistan
²College of Physics and Optoelectronic Engineering, Shenzhen University, 518060 Shenzhen, Guangdong, P.R. China
³Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv, Physics Faculty, 01601 Kyiv, Ukraine
*Corresponding author e-mail: iuliia@szu.edu.cn

Abstract. MXene-based two-dimensional (2D) composites, a class of graphene-like transition metal carbides and nitrides, are emerging as excellent materials for photocatalytic applications due to their promising characteristics, including tunable functionalities and a large surface area. To fabricate MXene-based photocatalysts, various synthesis routes are used, namely, hydrothermal, solvothermal, electrostatic self-assembly, and chemical vapor deposition. The solvothermal and hydrothermal synthesis methods enhance crystallinity and accelerate charge transfer, preventing recombination and boosting photocatalytic activity. Furthermore, etching methods influence MXene’s physicochemical properties, impacting pollutant removal efficiency. MXene composites are used as promising photocatalysts to degrade organic dyes, including Congo Red, Methylene Orange, Rhodamine B, and Methy-lene Blue. MXene composites, namely TiO₂/Ti₃C₂, Bi₂WO₆/Nb₂CT_x and MXene/g-C₃N₄, demonstrate excellent photocatalytic performance, achieving over 90% degradation rate under visible irradiation. However, challenges such as scalability, energy consumption, and structural stability need further investigation to optimize their large-scale applications.

Keywords: MXene composites, 2D nanocomposites, environmental remediation, organic contaminants, environmental pollution.