Designing a NiFe-LDH/MnO2 heterojunction to improve the photocatalytic activity for NOx removal under visible light

Abstract

2D/2D heterojunctions between ultrathin NiFe-CO3 layered double hydroxide (LDH) and varying amounts of birnessite (δ-MnO2) were prepared using an environmentally friendly and cost-effective self-assembly method. The prepared samples have proven to be efficient in their application, mitigating NOx emissions via a photo-oxidative process. The effective creation of 2D/2D NiFe–LDH/MnO2 heterojunctions has been verified through a variety of characterisation techniques, such as XRD, FT-IR, TGA, XFR, N2 adsorption–desorption isotherms, HRTEM and SEM images, EDX, and XPS. Photocatalytic measurements have indicated that the heterojunction formed between NiFe-LDH and MnO2 modifies its photoconductive behaviour, significantly enhancing the visible light photocatalytic performance of the partners. Finally, the optimal relationship between NiFe-LDH and MnO2 in the photocatalytic process was studied. It was found that a ratio of 10:1, respectively, exhibited superior properties compared to the other composites, highlighting the best performance in the degradation of NO under visible light and notable stability during the recycling process.