Enhancing bacterial control and daylight-driven water remediation with chitosan-impregnated MoC nanosheets.

The functionalization of nanoparticles with 2D nanosheets is an effective approach to enhance their functional properties for pollutant removal. This research outlines the synthesis of a 2D-delaminated molybdenum carbide (MXene) chitosan nanocomposite (2D-d-MoCTx-Cs NC) with bacterial control and photocatalytic properties for dye adsorption. The nanocomposite includes Tx-surface terminating groups O, OH, and F. In this investigation, the composite was synthesized using the etching method and its formation was confirmed through UV spectra at 288 nm. It was characterized through FTIR, XRD, Particle size, Zetapotential, FESEM, HRTEM, EDAX, and XPS analyses. FTIR spectral analysis of NC suggests that amines are formed through a Schiff base reaction between glutaraldehyde and Cs, or through the interaction of terminal aldehydes and carbonyl groups. The XRD analysis confirmed the crystalline structure of the composite. FESEM images revealed irregularly structured nanosheets (NSs) material in the prepared 2D-d-MoCTx-Cs NC samples. HRTEM images revealed 2D-d-MoCTx NSs impregnated onto Cs with an average size of 50 nm, as confirmed by a particle size analyzer, with a zeta potential value of - 15 mV. Additionally, Mo, C, N, and O are the most significant elements present in the NC, as confirmed by EDAX and XPS analyses. Further, biocompatibility testing of 2D-d-MoCTx-Cs NC yielded positive results. Moreover, under sunlight, the composites effectively adsorbed methylene blue with a 90% adsorption capacity, as confirmed by kinetic studies. Furthermore, the synergistic effect of Cs and d-MoCTx NSs resulted in significant antibacterial (50-200 µl of 1 mg/ml) and antibiofilm activity (100 µl of 1 mg/ml) against pathogenic bacteria. Furthermore, this study represents the first report on the use of 2D-d-MoCTx-Cs NC for daylight-influenced photocatalytic applications with a bacteria-controlling effect.