One-step fluorine-free synthesis of delaminated, OH-terminated Ti3C2: High photocatalytic NOx storage selectivity enabled by coupling TiO2 and Ti3C2-OH

Difficulties associated with MXene fabrication typified by an environmentally hazardous fluorine-based etching process followed delamination and fluorine reduction steps create obstacles against the expansion of this outstanding material its application in air purification. Herein, we demonstrate a one-step hydrothermal that involves alkali (NaOH)-assisted aluminum presence delaminating agent (hydrazine) for synthesis delaminated, OH-terminated (Ti3C2-OH). The does not require use fluorine-containing compounds produces Ti3C2-OH sheets without need post-synthesis treatment. shows strong synergistic effect as co-catalyst when coupled TiO2 during photocatalytic oxidation NOx. Excellent NOx storage selectivity (91 %) positive DeNOx index (+ 0.30) were achieved at NO conversion 54 %. activity hybrid high sensitivity to surface chemistry outperforms F-terminated Ti3C2 (fabricated via traditional process), which low (65 negative (?0.05) 47 We envision these findings will benefit ongoing efforts aimed developing effective alternative methods provide pathway rational design efficient abatement photocatalysts.