Photocatalytic performance of MXenes co-catalyst in hydrogen (H2) production via photocatalytic water splitting: A review

This review article analyzes the recent progress and achievements on MXenes as co-catalysts in hydrogen fuel production via photocatalytic water splitting. MXenes as an emerging two-dimensional (2D) family of transition metal nitrides, carbides, and carbonitrides, were discovered in the year 2011. Recently, they attracted an increasing concern for having outstanding chemical and physical properties. In this research, the electronic, mechanical, magnetic, and optical properties are broken down. Various synthesis methods like HF, HCl/fluoride, electrochemical etching, CVD, as well as the effect of etching condition are also discussed in details. Diverse applications in electrolysis, electromagnetic interference, energy storage, shielding, water purification, medicine and catalysis are also highlighted. In particular, their applications into solar-driven H2 production by providing an insightful comprehension on mechanisms behind the outstanding performances observed in experiments and calculations were systematically discussed in details, which may guide the further design of novel catalysts with superb catalytic activities in photocatalysis. Additionally, a wide range of improvement strategies to design and fabricate new MXenes as co-catalysts was reviewed to give more elevations for their commercial applications. Finally, the perspective outlook, on the future development is justified.