Interfacial physics toward high-efficiency Ti3C2Tx MXene supported catalysts

Abstract

Meeting future energy needs has driven a rapid expansion of research to develop efficient photocatalysts and electrocatalysts for energy conversion and storage. In this area, two-dimensional (2D) MXene materials, such as Ti3C2Tx, have emerged as a very promising class of novel materials with tremendous potential to advance catalyst technology, having energy-related applications in hydrogen, oxygen, and carbon dioxide electrochemistry. The unique combination of metallic conductivity, high surface area, and ability to enhance interaction between interfaces with catalytic metals and metal oxides make MXenes a very attractive support to enable high-performance electrocatalysts and photocatalysts. Our work demonstrates that the efficacy of Ti3C2Tx-based catalysts is directly correlated to the interface between MXene and an adjacent metal or metal oxide catalyst. These enhanced interactions promote significant activity in photochemical and electrochemical reactions, such as hydrogen oxidation, hydrogen evolution, oxygen evolution and CO2 reduction reactions. Theoretical calculations and experimental results have revealed the fundamental mechanisms underlying these processes, highlighting the critical role of Ti3C2Tx to facilitate charge carrier excitation, promote efficient carrier transfer, tailor electronic structures, and optimize reaction pathways. This work underscores the versatility and promise of 2D MXene materials as a platform to develop efficient catalysts toward meeting future energy needs. We expect our work to inspire further research and innovation in this field.