Search Results (207)

A novel catalyst, Tm₂FeSbO₇, was synthesized by employing the solid-phase high-temperature sintering method, and, for the first time, it was utilized to create a Z-type heterojunction with BiYO₃. A direct Z-scheme Tm₂FeSbO₇/BiYO₃ heterojunction photocatalyst (TBHP) was successfully produced by employing the ball-milling technique. X-ray diffraction analysis results indicated that Tm₂FeSbO₇ crystallized in a cubic pyrochlorestructure which owned the Fd-3m space group, with a unit cell parameter of 10.1769 Å, whereas BiYO₃ displayed a fluorite structure in the Fm-3m space group, with a unit cell parameter of 5.4222 Å. The Mossbauer spectrum of Tm₂FeSbO₇ showed that Fe³⁺ ions might locate at octahedral sites. The measured bandgap widths for the TBHP, Tm₂FeSbO_7, and BiYO₃ were 2.14 eV, 2.21 eV, and 2.30 eV, respectively. Multiple experimental results demonstrated that the TBHP exhibited a higher valence band ionization potential, a narrower band gap width, and a higher removal efficiency of the sulfamethoxazole (SMX) compared with the Dy₂TmSbO₇/BiHoO₃ heterojunction photocatalyst. Under visible-light irradiation (VISLI) of 115 min, the TBHP showcased exceptional photocatalytic elimination performance; therefore, the elimination rate of the SMX and the total organic carbon (TOC) mineralization rate reached 99.51% and 98.10%, respectively. In contrast to single-component Tm₂FeSbO₇, BiYO_3, or conventional nitrogen-doped titanium dioxide (N-TiO₂) catalyst, the TBHP exhibited removal efficiency enhancement for degrading the SMX by 1.17 times, 1.31 times, or 4.06 times. Simultaneously, the matching mineralization rate for removing the TOC density by employing the TBHP was 1.20 times, 1.34 times, or 4.73 times higher than that by employing Tm₂FeSbO₇, BiYO₃, or conventional N-TiO₂. Above experimental results indicated that the mineralization efficiency for removing TOC density by employing the TBHP was higher than that by employing Tm₂FeSbO₇, BiYO₃, or N-TiO₂. Radicals trapping experiments and the electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy results revealed that hydroxyl radicals, superoxide anions, and photoinduced holes were the primary active species during the catalytic elimination course of the SMX by employing the TBHP under VISLI. The results demonstrated that the direct Z-scheme TBHP, which was developed in this study, exhibited the maximal removal efficiency for degrading the SMX in contrast to Tm₂FeSbO₇, BiYO₃, or N-TiO₂. Additionally, the possible elimination routes and elimination mechanisms of the SMX were proposed. Therefore, an important scientific foundation for developing high-performance heterojunction catalysts was established. Full article

The construction of Z-scheme heterojunctions is regarded as one of the most effective modification strategies for photocatalysts. However, how to improve the interfacial charge transfer efficiency to further enhance the photocatalytic activity remains an urgent issue to be addressed. In this study, sulfur vacancy-enriched ZnIn₂S₄/MoS₂ Z-scheme heterojunctions (V-ZIS/MS) containing interfacial Mo-S bonds was successfully synthesized using a hydrothermal method. The V-ZIS/2%MS showed the highest hydrogen evolution rate, achieving 19.21 ± 0.78 mmol·g⁻¹·h⁻¹ under visible light and 112.89 ± 10.98 mmol·g⁻¹·h⁻¹ under full-spectrum illumination, which are 5.07 and 4.41 times higher than ZIS (3.79 ± 0.79 mmol·g⁻¹·h⁻¹) and V-ZIS (4.36 ± 0.98 mmol·g⁻¹·h⁻¹) under visible light, respectively, outperforming most reported ZIS-based photocatalysts. This is because the composite of V-ZIS and MS enhanced its light absorption performance. More importantly, the formation of Mo-S bonds at the V-ZIS/MoS₂ interface facilitated efficient charge transfer and reduced interfacial resistance, leading to significantly improved photocatalytic activity. Cycling experiments further demonstrate that V-ZIS/2%MS exhibits considerable photocatalytic stability. X-ray diffraction analysis before and after the reaction further confirmed the structural stability of the catalyst. This work provides a certain reference for the preparation of high-performance ZIS-based photocatalysts. Full article

Bismuth-based semiconductors have emerged as a promising class of visible-light-responsive photo(electro)catalysts for environmental remediation owing to their tunable electronic structures, moderate band gaps, and relatively low toxicity. The stereochemically active Bi³⁺ 6s² lone pair and strong Bi–O orbital hybridization tailor valence-band states, enabling enhanced utilization of the solar spectrum and favorable charge-carrier dynamics. In addition, layered, perovskite-like, and aurivillius-type crystal frameworks generate internal electric fields that are advantageous for photoelectrochemical (PEC) operation. This review critically examines advances from 2015 to 2025 in the design, synthesis, modification, and environmental applications of bismuth-based photo(electro)catalysts, with particular emphasis on PEC systems for pollutant degradation. Major material families, including bismuth oxides, oxyhalides, oxychalcogenides, chalcogenides, perovskite-like oxides, and complex metal oxides, are discussed in relation to their structure–property–performance relationships. Key synthesis strategies, such as solid-state, sol–gel, hydro/solvothermal, microwave-assisted, spray pyrolysis, and electrodeposition methods, are compared with respect to morphology control, defect chemistry, and electrode integration. Performance-enhancing approaches, including elemental doping, oxygen-vacancy engineering, and the rational design of type-II, p–n, Z-scheme, and S-scheme heterojunctions, are critically assessed. Practical considerations related to stability, scalability, and techno-economic constraints are highlighted. Finally, current challenges and future directions toward durable and application-ready bismuth-based PEC technologies are outlined. Full article

In recent years, metal nanoclusters (NCs) with atomic-scale precision have emerged as novel photosensitizers for light energy conversion in metal cluster-sensitized semiconductor (MCSS) systems. However, conventional NCs often suffer from photodegradation after binding with semiconductors, limiting their long-term catalytic stability. Modifying NCs via single-atom doping provides an effective strategy to tailor their interfacial charge transfer behavior. In this study, PtAg₂₈ NCs were synthesized by doping Pt single atoms into Ag₂₉ NCs and subsequently loaded onto TiO₂ via electrostatic adsorption to construct composite photocatalysts. Systematic investigations revealed that Pt doping significantly enhances light absorption and promotes the formation of a direct Z-scheme heterojunction. The optimized PtAg₂₈/TiO₂ composite exhibits effective suppression of charge recombination. This enhanced charge separation efficiency, driven by pronounced band bending at the interface, leads to a remarkable hydrogen evolution rate of 14,564 μmol g⁻¹ h⁻¹. This work demonstrates the critical role of single-atom doping in regulating the photophysical properties of metal NCs and offers a feasible approach for designing highly efficient and stable metal-cluster-based photocatalytic systems. Full article

A well-defined heterojunction and tailored interface of the photocathode are desired to facilitate the efficient separation and transfer of photogenerated charge carriers for photoelectrochemical (PEC) hydrogen generation. Herein, optimized Z-scheme heterojunction (denoted as F-COF/TiO₂) photoelectrodes were designed and fabricated by solvothermally growing a F-substituted imine-linked covalent organic framework (F-COF) from 1,3,5-tris(3-fluoro-4-formylphenyl)benzene and 1,4-diaminobenzene on the surface of anodized TiO₂ nanotubes for enhanced PEC hydrogen evolution. The F-COF/TiO₂ heterojunction with photo-deposited Pt species as cocatalysts (Pt@F-COF/TiO₂) revealed higher cathodic photocurrent density, decreased interfacial resistance, and improved onset potential due to the improved charge separation and transfer efficiency at the interface. Both the internal electric field between F-COF and TiO₂, as well as the enhanced photophysical nature of F-COF films, contributed to the efficient interfacial charge separation and transfer. The photo-deposited Pt species and applied bias voltage also demonstrated a synergetic effect on facilitating charge separation and transfer for hydrogen production. The Pt@F-COF/TiO₂ photoelectrode featured an improved PEC hydrogen evolution rate under AM 1.5G simulated sunlight irradiation and a durable PEC hydrogen evolution performance. This study provides valuable insights into the design of heterojunction-based photoelectrodes for efficient solar-driven hydrogen production for sustainable energy applications. Full article

Defect engineering in semiconductor heterojunctions offers a promising route for enhancing the selectivity of photocatalytic CO₂ conversion. In this work, a ZnS/gel-derived TiO₂ photocatalyst featuring sulfur vacancies introduced via hydrazine hydrate (N₂H₄) treatment is developed. XRD, HRTEM, and XPS analyses confirm the formation of a crystalline heterointerface and a defect-rich ZnS surface, enabling effective interfacial electronic modulation. The optimized ZnS/gel-derived TiO₂-0.48 composite achieves CH₄ and CO yields of 6.76 and 14.47 μmol·g⁻¹·h⁻¹, respectively, with a CH₄ selectivity of 31.8% and an electron selectivity of 65.1%, clearly outperforming pristine TiO₂ and the corresponding single-component catalysts under identical conditions. Photoluminescence quenching, enhanced photocurrent response, and reduced charge-transfer resistance indicate significantly improved interfacial charge separation. Mott–Schottky analysis combined with optical bandgap measurements reveals pronounced interfacial charge redistribution in the composite system. Considering the intrinsic band structure of ZnS and gel-derived TiO₂, a Z-scheme-compatible interfacial charge migration model is proposed, in which photogenerated electrons with strong reductive power are preferentially retained on ZnS, while holes with strong oxidative capability remain on gel-derived TiO₂. This charge migration pathway preserves high redox potentials, facilitating multi-electron CO₂ methanation and water oxidation. Density functional theory calculations further demonstrate that sulfur vacancies stabilize *COOH and *CO intermediates and reduce the energy barrier for *COOH formation from +0.51 eV to +0.21 eV, thereby promoting CO₂ activation and CH₄ formation. These results reveal that sulfur vacancies not only activate CO₂ molecules but also regulate interfacial charge migration behavior. This work provides a synergistic strategy combining defect engineering and interfacial electronic modulation to enhance selectivity and mechanistic understanding in CO₂-to-CH₄ photoconversion. Full article

A novel Z-scheme Dy₂TmSbO₇/BiHoO₃ heterostructure photocatalyst was synthesized with the ultrasound-assisted solvothermal method. The Dy₂TmSbO₇/BiHoO₃ heterojunction photocatalyst (DBHP) reflected wonderful separation efficiency of photogenerated electrons and photogenerated holes owing to the efficient direct Z-scheme heterojunction structure characteristic. The lattice parameter and the bandgap energy of the Dy₂TmSbO₇ were 10.52419 Å and 2.58 eV, simultaneously, the lattice parameter and the bandgap energy of the BiHoO₃ were 5.42365 Å and 2.25 eV, additionally, the bandgap energy of the DBHP was 2.32 eV. Above results indicated that DBHP, Dy₂TmSbO₇ or BiHoO₃ possessed an excellent ability for absorbing visible light energy, therefore, DBHP, Dy₂TmSbO₇ or BiHoO₃ owned superior photocatalytic activity for degrading the sulphamethoxypyridazine (SMP) under visible light irradiation. The removal rate of the SMP after visible light irradiation of 135 min with the DBHP was 99.47% for degrading the SMP during the photocatalytic degradation (PADA) process, correspondingly, the removal rate of the total organic carbon (TOC) concentration after visible light irradiation of 135 min with the DBHP was 98.02% for degrading the SMP during the PADA process. The removal rate of the SMP after visible light irradiation of 135 min with the DBHP was 1.15 times, 1.29 times or 2.60 times that with Dy₂TmSbO₇, BiHoO₃ or nitrogen-doped TiO₂ (N-T). Therefore, the DBHP displayed higher photocatalytic activity for degrading the SMP under visible light irradiation compared with Dy₂TmSbO₇, BiHoO₃ or N-T. Specifically, the mineralization rate for removing the TOC concentration during the PADA process of the SMP with the DBHP was 1.18 times, 1.32 times or 2.79 times that with Dy₂TmSbO₇, BiHoO₃ or N-T. In addition, the stability and reusability of the DBHP were systematically evaluated, confirming that the DBHP owned potential applicability for degrading the antibiotic pollutant, which derived from the practical industrial wastewater. Trapping radicals experiments and the electron paramagnetic resonance measurement experiments were conducted for identifying the reactive radicals, such as the hydroxyl radicals (•OH), the superoxide anions (•O₂⁻) and the photogenerated holes (h⁺), which were generated with the DBHP for degrading the SMP during the PADA process under visible light irradiation, as a result, the •O₂⁻ possessed the maximal oxidative capability compared with the •OH or the h⁺. Above results indicated the degradation mechanism and the degradation pathways which were related to the SMP. In conclusion, this study makes a significant contribution for the development of the efficient Z-scheme heterostructure photocatalysts and provides a key opinion to the development of the sustainable remediation method with the view of mitigating the antibiotic pollution. Full article

We report a fully biogenic route to ZnO, Fe₃O₄, and their hydrothermally coupled ZnO/Fe₃O₄ heterostructure and establish a synthesis–structure–function link. Phase-pure, quasi-spherical wurtzite ZnO and finer inverse-spinel Fe₃O₄ nanoparticles assemble into a biphasic interface without forming a solid solution; optical analysis yields E_g = 2.36 eV (ZnO), 1.46 eV (Fe₃O₄), and 1.45 eV (ZnO/Fe₃O₄), while PL shows near-band-edge quenching and green–yellow defect reweighting at 490–560 nm, consistent with interfacial band bending. Magnetically, ZnO/Fe₃O₄ is soft-ferrimagnetic with M_S/M_R/H_C = 226 emu g⁻¹/17 emu g⁻¹/0.010 T (at 300 K), enabling rapid magnetic recovery. Under natural sunlight (572.6 ± 32 W m⁻²), adsorption-corrected methylene blue removal (10 mg L⁻¹; 10 mg in 50 mL) gives real degradation rates RDR = 90% (ZnO), 65% (ZnO/Fe₃O₄), and 30% (Fe₃O₄) at 180 min, with pseudo–first-order constants k = 1.9 × 10⁻², 0.7 × 10⁻², and 0.4 × 10⁻² min⁻¹, respectively; dark adsorption baselines are 10%, 14%, and 49%. Reusability over four cycles preserves pseudo-first-order kinetics (ZnO/Fe₃O₄: 65% → 50%). Scavenger tests implicate ${}^{•}\mathrm{O}\mathrm{H}$ as the dominant oxidant in ZnO and ZnO/Fe₃O₄, and ${}^{•}\mathrm{O}_2^{-}$ in Fe₃O₄. Taken together, the band alignment, photoluminescence quenching, radical-scavenger profiles, and kinetic synergy are consistent with a defect-rich S/Z-scheme-like ZnO/Fe₃O₄ heterojunction, delivering a green, sunlight-operable, and recyclable platform for affordable wastewater remediation. Full article

Thin-film organic solar cells (TFOSCs) are gaining momentum as next-generation photovoltaic technologies due to their lightweight nature, mechanical flexibility, and low cost-effective fabrication. In this pioneering study, we report for the first time the incorporation of cobalt-doped zinc sulfide $(\mathrm{Z}\mathrm{n}\mathrm{S}/\mathrm{C}\mathrm{o})$ nanoparticles (NPs) into a poly(3-hexylthiophene) (P3HT) and [6,6]-phenyl-C61-butyric acid methyl ester (PC61BM) bulk-heterojunction photoactive layer. $\mathrm{Z}\mathrm{n}\mathrm{S}/\mathrm{C}\mathrm{o}$ NPs were successfully synthesized via a wet chemical method and integrated at varying concentrations (1%wt, 3%wt, and 5%wt) to systematically investigate their influence on device performance. The optimal doping concentration of 3%wt yielded a remarkable power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 4.76%, representing a 102% enhancement over the pristine reference device (2.35%) under ambient laboratory conditions. The observed positive trend is attributed to the localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) effect and near-field optical enhancement induced by the presence of ZnS/Co NPs in the active layer, thereby increasing light-harvesting capability and exciton dissociation. Comprehensive morphological and optical characterizations using high-resolution scanning electron microscopy (HRSEM), high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM), and spectroscopic techniques confirmed uniform nanoparticle dispersion, nanoscale crystallinity, and effective light absorption. These findings highlight the functional role of $\mathrm{Z}\mathrm{n}\mathrm{S}/\mathrm{C}\mathrm{o}$ NPs as dopants in enhancing TFOSC performance, providing valuable insights into optimizing nanoparticle concentration. This work offers a scalable and impactful strategy for advancing high-efficiency, flexible, and wearable organic photovoltaic devices. Full article

Currently, continuous population growth and unsustainable industrialization have caused ongoing water pollution, with harmful consequences for human health and the environment. Persistent organic pollutants (dyes, active pharmaceutical compounds, pesticides, etc.) are discharged into water from various industrial, agricultural, and domestic activities. Therefore, wastewater treatment through sustainable technologies is imperative, representing a great and real challenge for worldwide research. Photocatalysis, an innovative and green technology, uses advanced oxidation processes in the presence of a photocatalyst, usually a semiconductor with expanded light absorption ability and high conductivity for photogenerated charge carriers. Molybdenum disulfide (MoS₂) is an n-type semiconductor with different morphologies, variable bandgap energies (Eg = 1.1–2.63 eV), and numerous applications. Although pristine MoS₂ exhibits special structural and optoelectronic properties, its photocatalytic activity can be further improved through various strategies, and constructions with the heterojunctions construction with other semiconductors being frequently pursued. This review extensively studies the recent research (the last 4 years) on MoS₂ and MoS₂-based heterojunction (I-type, II-type, Z-scheme, S-scheme) photocatalysts for degrading organic contaminants under simulated and sunlight irradiation in wastewater treatment. Even if in a relatively short time (a few years) valuable studies have been reported on this topic, there are still numerous challenges facing future research. Full article

In this study, a novel photocatalytic nanomaterial BiTmFeSbO₇ was successfully synthesized for the first time by using the solvothermal method. On account of the effective Z-scheme mechanism, the BiTmFeSbO₇/BiTmO₃ heterojunction photocatalyst (BTBTHP) could effectively separate the photoinduced electrons and the photoinduced holes, concurrently, the high oxidation potential and reduction potential of the BiTmFeSbO₇ and the BiTmO₃ were retained. Additionally, a Z-scheme BTBTHP was synthesized by using an ultrasound-assisted solvothermal approach. As a result, the BTBTHP exhibited excellent photocatalytic performance during the degradation process of the sulfathiazole (STZ). The morphological features, composition distribution, photochemistry properties and photoelectric properties of the prepared samples were investigated by using the comprehensive characterization techniques. Under the condition of visible light irradiation, the BTBTHP demonstrated an excellent removal efficiency of 99.50% for degrading the STZ. Contrastive analysis results indicated that the removal efficiency of the STZ by using the BTBTHP was substantially higher than that by using the BiTmFeSbO₇, the BiTmO₃, and the N-doped TiO₂. The removal rate of the STZ by using the BTBTHP was 1.14 times that by using the BiTmFeSbO₇, 1.28 times that by using the BiTmO₃, and 2.71 times that by using the N-doped TiO₂. Moreover, the stability and the reusability of the BTBTHP were verified through five successive photocatalytic cyclic degradation experiments, indicating that the BTBTHP owned potential for the practical application. The active species which was produced by the BTBTHP were identified as hydroxyl radicals (•OH), superoxide anions (•O₂⁻), and photoinduced holes (h⁺) by capturing radicals experiments and electron paramagnetic resonance testing experiments. Therefore, the degradation mechanism and the pathway of the STZ could be more comprehensively elucidated. In summary, this study lays a solid foundation for the development and further research of high efficient Z-scheme heterojunction photocatalysts and offers novel insights into sustainable remediation strategies for the STZ pollution. Full article

For five decades, photocatalysis has promised clean hydrogen from solar energy, yet a persistent “efficiency ceiling”, linked to fundamental challenges including the trade-off between light absorption and redox potential in single-component materials, has hindered its practical application. This review illuminates three key paradigm shifts overcoming this challenge. First, we examine Z-scheme and S-scheme heterojunctions, which resolve the bandgap dilemma by spatially separating redox sites to achieve both broad light absorption and strong redox power. Second, we discuss replacing the sluggish oxygen evolution reaction (OER) with value-added organic oxidations. This strategy bypasses kinetic bottlenecks and improves economic viability by co-producing valuable chemicals from feedstocks like biomass and plastic waste. Third, we explore manipulating the reaction environment, where synergistic photothermal effects and concentrated sunlight can dramatically enhance kinetics and unlock markedly enhanced solar-to-hydrogen (STH) efficiencies. Collectively, these strategies chart a clear course to overcome historical limitations and realize photocatalysis as an impactful technology for a sustainable energy future. Full article

This study presented the successful synthesis of a visible light responsive Z-scheme BiTmDySbO₇/BiEuO₃ heterojunction photocatalyst (BBHP) via the hydrothermal method, exhibiting outstanding removal efficiency for degrading the metronidazole (MNZ) in wastewater. The BBHP exhibited exceptional photocatalytic activity during the degradation process of the MNZ which was a widely detected pharmaceutical pollutant in aquatic environments. The key to the high photocatalytic activity of the BBHP was the formation of a Z-scheme photogenerated carrier transport channel which existed between BiTmDySbO₇ and BiEuO₃ within the heterojunction structure. This innovative structural design was experimentally confirmed for enhancing the separation efficiency of the photogenerated charge carriers significantly, thereby, the efficient photocatalytic activity of the BBHP was promoted. After visible light irradiation for 130 min, the BBHP achieved a removal efficiency of 99.56% for degrading MNZ and a mineralization rate of 98.11% for removing the total organic carbon (TOC) concentration. In contrast to a single photocatalyst, the removal rate of the MNZ by using the BBHP was 1.14 times that by using the BiEuO₃, 1.26 times that by using the BiTmDySbO₇, and 2.65 times that by using the nitrogen-doped TiO₂ (N-T) under visible light irradiation. The mineralization rate for removing the TOC concentration during the degradation process of the MNZ by using the BBHP was 1.17 times that by using the BiEuO₃, 1.29 times that by using the BiTmDySbO₇, and 2.86 times that by using the N-T under visible light irradiation. The photocatalytic degradation process of the MNZ by using the BBHP followed first-order kinetics model, concurrently, a dynamics rate constant of 0.0345 min⁻¹ was obtained. Furthermore, the BBHP demonstrated excellent stability and durability in accordance with multiple cyclic degradation experiments. According to the capturing radicals experiments and the electron paramagnetic resonance test experiments, it was determined that the hydroxyl radicals (•OH) and the superoxide anions (•O₂⁻) played key role during the photocatalytic degradation process of the MNZ by using the BBHP under visible light irradiation. Finally, the intermediate products that were produced during the degradation process of the MNZ were analyzed by using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometer, as a result, a potential degradation pathway for the MNZ was proposed. Overall, this study could provide valuable references for future research on composite photocatalysts and effectively maintain the safety and sustainable utilization of water resource. Full article

Addressing the challenges of energy production and environmental sustainability necessitates the development of advanced materials capable of facilitating both photocatalytic reduction and oxidation processes. Here, we report a Z-scheme Ag₃PO₄/CuBi₂O₄ heterojunction photocatalyst, which was fabricated via the in situ anisotropic growth of Ag₃PO₄ nanoparticles on the ends of CuBi₂O₄ microrods. The prepared heterojunction exhibits a low lattice mismatch (~3%) and features a covalently bonded interface, anchored by oxygen atoms, with the formation of P-O-Cu bonds. This interface synergizes with the built-in electric field to drive an efficient Z-scheme charge transfer mechanism, significantly enhancing the separation and migration of carriers. Furthermore, the interfacial chemical bonds induce electron redistribution that effectively weakens the Ag-O bond, thereby activating surface lattice oxygen. As a result, the photocatalyst shows remarkably improved performance for photocatalytic oxygen evolution synchronized with Cr(VI) reduction by enabling both the conventional adsorbate evolution mechanism and the lattice oxygen mechanism. This work provides critical insights into the design of efficient photocatalysts. Full article

The efficient degradation of antibiotics in pharmaceutical wastewater remains a critical challenge against environmental contaminants. Conventional photocatalysts face potential limitations such as narrow visible-light absorption, rapid carrier recombination, and reliance on precious metal cocatalysts. This review investigates the coordination structure of MXene as a cocatalyst to synergistically enhance photocatalytic antibiotic degradation efficiency and the coordination structure modification mechanisms. MXene’s tunable bandgap (0.92–1.75 eV), exceptional conductivity (100–20,000 S/cm), and abundant surface terminations (-O, -OH, -F) enable the construction of Schottky or Z-scheme heterojunctions with semiconductors (Cu₂O, TiO₂, g-C₃N₄), achieving 50–70% efficiency improvement compared to pristine semiconductors. The “electron sponge” effect of MXene suppresses electron-hole recombination by 3–5 times, while its surface functional groups dynamically optimize pollutant adsorption. Notably, MXene’s localized surface plasmon resonance extends light harvesting from visible (400–800 nm) to near-infrared regions (800–2000 nm), tripling photon utilization efficiency. Theoretical simulations demonstrate that d-orbital electronic configurations and terminal groups cooperatively regulate catalytic active sites at atomic scales. The MXene composites demonstrate remarkable environmental stability, maintaining over 90% degradation efficiency of antibiotic under high salinity (2 M NaCl) and broad pH range (4–10). Future research should prioritize green synthesis protocols and mechanistic investigations of interfacial dynamics in multicomponent wastewater systems to facilitate engineering applications. This work provides fundamental insights into designing MXene-based photocatalysts for sustainable water purification. Full article