Interfacial Charge-Modulated Multifunctional MoS2/Ti3C2Tx Penetrating Electrode for High- Efficiency Freshwater Production

Freshwater production is critical in terms of solving the global water shortage. Aiming at improving freshwater production capability and ensuring its quality, an interfacial charge-modulated MoS2/Ti3C2Tx-modified carbon fiber (CF/ MoS2/Ti3C2Tx) penetrating electrode is designed. To maximize the desalination and degradation efficiencies of CF/MoS2/Ti3C2Tx, a photocatalytic component is introduced into the membrane capacitive deionization (PMCDI) device. High desalination capability is derived from the lamellar architecture structure of MoS2/Ti3C2Tx. Meanwhile, excellent degradation performance is due to the formation of two photoelctrocatalytic activity centers, directionally generating singlet oxygen (1O2) and hydroxyl radical (center dot OH). The intercalated Cl- (desalination) as the electron transfer bridge optimizes the charge distribution of MoS2/Ti3C2Tx, reinforcing the photoelectrocatalytic activity (degradation). The formation of the electron-deficient (desalination) and electron-rich (regeneration) regions at the terminated O atom of Ti3C2Tx accelerate the generations of center dot OH and 1O2, respectively. In perspective, a mutual promotion process of desalination and degradation is achieved for high-efficiency production of high-quality freshwater.

Automated summary

This study presents a design of MoS2/Ti3C2Tx-modified carbon fiber electrode for improving freshwater production capability and ensuring water quality. By introducing a photocatalytic component, the membrane capacitive deionization device achieves high desalination and degradation efficiencies. The lamellar architecture structure of MoS2/Ti3C2Tx provides high desalination capability, while the formation of singlet oxygen and hydroxyl radical facilitates excellent degradation performance. Optimized charge distribution of MoS2/Ti3C2Tx enhances its photoelectrocatalytic activity through the electron transfer bridge.