Insight into the design of a Ti₃C₂ MXene/Ti₄O₇ composite ceramic membrane boosts the electrocatalytic activity for 1,4-dioxane electro-oxidation

Efficient refractory organic compound (ROC) removal through Ti₄O₇ ceramic membrane in electrochemical advanced oxidation processes (EAOPs) requires high electrochemical reactivity and stability. Herein, we report on the synthesis and properties of Ti₃C₂ MXene-doped Ti₄O₇ ceramic membranes (Ti₃C₂@Ti₄O₇) using a spark plasma sintering system, after employing density functional theory calculations to design the electrocatalyst. Doping with Ti₃C₂ MXene resulted in interfacial Ti–O–Ti chemical bond formation, which greatly improved the electronic structure and the generation of hydroxyl radicals (^•OH). Compared with pristine Ti₄O₇, the charge-transfer resistance of Ti₃C₂@Ti₄O₇ decreased from 59.09 to 4.21 Ω, and the ^•OH generation rate enhanced 2.3 − 2.6-fold. Ti₃C₂@Ti₄O₇ could effectively remove 1,4-Dioxane from natural groundwater, and the residual 1,4-Dioxane concentration met the requirements for drinking water. Our study provides a proof-of-concept demonstration using Ti₃C₂ MXene to manufacture a doped Ti₄O₇ ceramic membrane for effective ROC removal. The theoretical predictions from this study can inspire novel electrocatalyst designs for EAOPs.