Recent advances of MXenes as electrocatalysts for hydrogen evolution reaction

Abstract

MXenes, an emerging two-dimensional (2D) transition metal carbides, nitrides and carbonitrides, have exhibited great potential as electrocatalysts for hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) due to the excellent characters, including excellent structural and chemical stability, superior electrical conductivity, and large active surface area. In this comprehensive study, firstly, the preparation advances of MXenes are systematically summarized. Then, the representative applications of MXenes-based HER electrocatalysts are introduced, from experimental and theoretical aspects. Thirdly, the strategies for improving HER catalytic activity of MXenes are demonstrated, such as optimizing active sites by termination modification and metal-atom doping, increasing active sites by fabricating various nanostructures. Finally, the existing challenges and new opportunities for MXenes-based electrocatalysts are also elucidated. This paper provides reference for the future development of new and efficient MXenes-based electrocatalysts for hydrogen production through water-splitting technology.