A novel nanohybrid constructed by Ti3C2 MXene/TiO2 coupled with porphyrin metal-organic frameworks for enhanced photocatalytic hydrogen production

Highly efficient nanohybrids used in photocatalytic H2 production from water reduction have attracted many attentions in energy conversion and storage of clean energy. Herein, a new dimension-matched nanohybrid was prepared by fabricating two-dimensional copper carboxyphenyl porphyrin metal-organic frameworks (Cu-PMOF) on two-dimensional Ti3C2 MXene/TiO2 nanosheets (TCs). The visible light response and the separation of photoinduced charges in TCs can be efficiently enhanced after coupling with Cu-PMOF. Furthermore, the prepared nanohybrid showed high activity in photocatalytic H2 evolution. Without adding any other co-catalysts, the H2 production over the optimum TCs/Cu-PMOF was 29 times of pure TCs, suggesting the synergetic effect of TCs and Cu-PMOF in the nanocomposite. Moreover, the electron transfer mechanism was explored so as to explain the enhanced activity in the nanohybrid. This study will offer a feasible strategy for fabricating effective nanocomposites used in photocatalysis.