Synergistic Effect Strategies of the Water-Splitting Photocatalyst Performance in MXenes Coupled System: A Critical Review

The unusual physical and chemical features of transition metal carbide or nitride (MXene) make it an attractive candidate for developing two-dimensional materials over a variety of applications, including lithium-ion batteries, supercapacitors, electrocatalysis, photocatalysis, and biomedical applications. MXene may enable quick separation of photogenerated charge carriers in photocatalysis and supply a large number of functional groups at the surface for materials used in light harvesting, enabling high photoconversion efficiency. Several synthesizing methods for producing 2D MXene nanosheets are covered, including electrochemical etching, hydrothermal synthesis, calcination, exfoliation, and electrostatic assembly, and the impact of the etching conditions is also covered. Specifically, applications related to water-splitting-based hydrogen production were thoroughly discussed based on the synergistic effect between MXene and other materials, which may direct future research into the structuring of novel catalysts with exceptional water-splitting activities. This understanding of the mechanisms underlying the exceptional performances seen in experiments and calculations was particularly insightful. Then, based on the synergistic impact with other catalyst materials, we outline the current developments and progress in the hydrogen production efficiency of MXene-based photocatalysts. Lastly, we offer some closing thoughts and the prospects for developing extremely effective MXene-based photocatalysts in the realm of water splitting.

Graphical Abstract