A cost-effective approach to synthesize NiFe2O4/MXene heterostructures for enhanced photodegradation performance and anti-bacterial activity

Abstract A cost-effective ultrasonication approach was employed to synthesize NiFe2O4/MXene heterostructures. The as-synthesized heterostructures demonstrated outstanding photodegradation performance and anti-bacterial activity as compared to individual NiFe2O4 (NiFe) or MXene. The NiFe nanoparticles (NPs) helped in effectively preventing the re-stacking of MXene flakes and in increasing the surface area of the heterostructure. The obtained sheet-sheet linkage provided an admirable opportunity for excellent wastewater treatment and antibacterial activity. The photocatalytic degradation of organic pollutants by the introduced photocatalyst NiFe/MXene heterostructures has been observed to be about 4 and 6.72 times boosted compared to MXene and NiFe, respectively. Furthermore, the heterostructure materials demonstrated outstanding anti-bacterial activity against gram negative E-coli bacteria, while the mechanism of methylene blue dye degradation by NiFe/MXene was clarified through kinetic studies of the degradation process. We hope this work will be considered a significant scientific contribution for young researchers dealing with water desalination.