Engineering MXene-based electrocatalysts for efficient water splitting: Mechanistic insights, structural modulation, and future perspectives

Abstract

With the ever-growing demand for clean, sustainable energy, there is an increasing focus on developing efficient electrocatalysts for producing green hydrogen. Two-dimensional (2D) MXenes have recently emerged as promising materials due to their remarkable physicochemical properties and structural diversity. This review provides an in-depth analysis of the latest research on MXenes for the electrocatalytic hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) and oxygen evolution reaction (OER). It starts by describing the fundamental principles behind both HER and OER, and reviewing the electrocatalytic properties and limitations of pure MXenes. However, to overcome such issues and activate their properties, various modifications, including changes in metal composition, regulation of surface termination, heterostructures, heteroatom doping, and defect engineering, are covered in detail. Additionally, the relationship between the modulated structure and catalytic activity is critically examined using empirical data and theoretical concepts. In addition, this review discusses the overall longterm sustainability, scalability, and compatibility of MXene-based electrocatalysts with water electrolysis systems. The conclusion provides information on current challenges and the future outlook for their rational designs to further improve eco-friendly hydrogen production. The goal is to move forward with technologies for producing hydrogen in an environmentally friendly way.