Stabilizing Ti3C2Tx-MXenes with TiOF2 nanospheres intercalation to improve hydrogen evolution reaction and humidity-sensing performance

MXenes, a new class of two-dimensional materials, possessing high electrical conductivity and unique surface properties,have exhibited great potential as non-noble metal catalyst for hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). However, due to poor oxidation resistance, they are easily oxidized in aqueous solution and high humidity environment, resulting in a great loss of electronic properties and surface reactivity. Herein, we report a simple and effective composite synthesis strategy with TiOF2 intercalation to improve the stability of MXenes materials. TiOF2@Ti3C2Tx prepared by this strategy shows ultra-long catalytic activity life of 1000 cycles in acid electrolyte. Besides,the catalyst also shows high HER activity with a low onset potential of 103 mV and a Tafel slope as low as 56.2 mV dec(-1). Benefiting from the stabilization of TiOF2 and the physicochemical properties of Ti3C2Tx, TiOF2@Ti3C2Tx also exhibits excellent humidity sensitivity and stability.