Pioneering Exploration of Mo2AlB2-Transition-Metal-Aluminum-Boron-Phase-Supported Hydrophobic SrTiO3/Mo2AlB2 Nanocomposite for Improved Photocatalytic Carbendazim Degradation and CO2 Reduction to Ethanol through the Schottky Junction

The global environmental and energy challenges necessitate the development of multifunctional materials that can address both pollutant removal and solar fuel production. In this groundbreaking study, the utilization of the Mo ₂AlB ₂ transition-metal aluminum boron (MAB) phase is introduced as a cocatalyst in the SrTiO ₃/Mo ₂AlB ₂ nanocomposite, marking the first instance of its application in photocatalytic approaches to combat environmental and energy crises. A nanocomposite of SrTiO ₃/Mo ₂AlB ₂ is prepared by ultrasound-assisted self-assembly of SrTiO ₃ nanocubes (STO) with layered Mo ₂AlB ₂. The optimized catalyst denoted as STO@5-MAB is subjected to comprehensive characterization to evaluate its physiochemical properties. Remarkably, the STO@5-MAB composite demonstrates exceptional performance in both photocatalytic carbendazim (CBZ) degradation, achieving an impressive degradation of 87.5% and CO ₂ reduction to ethanol with a rate of 9.96 mmol g ⁻¹ h ⁻¹ under visible-light illumination. This outstanding performance can be attributed to the composite's 1) hydrophobicity, 2) enhanced light absorption, and 3) the formation of a Schottky junction at the interface, facilitating efficient charge separation. In conclusion, the SrTiO ₃/Mo ₂AlB ₂ nanocomposite demonstrates immense potential in addressing pressing environmental and energy challenges through photocatalytic CBZ degradation and CO ₂ reduction to ethanol. In this study, the pivotal role of Mo ₂AlB ₂ in developing efficient photocatalysts is underscored for environmental and energy applications.