In-situ growth of Ti3C2@MIL-NH2 composite for highly enhanced photocatalytic H2 evolution

The design and development of efficient metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) for photocatalytic H-2 production from water have gained significant attention. However, the photocatalytic activity of MOFs is greatly limited by the poor conductivity. Herein, a Ti-based MOF (MIL-NH2) are in-situ grown onto layered Ti3C2 MXene, and the latter acts as the Ti source at the same time. The obtained composite (Ti3C2@MIL-NH2) displays superior H-2 evolution performance with a rate as high as 4383.1 mu mol h(-1) g(-1), which is much higher than the other MOF based materials as far as we know. Combined analysis suggests that the Ti atom in Ti3C2 coordinates with the -NH2 group in MIL-NH2. This intimate interfacial contact is crucial for accelerating electron transfer and improving the photo-generated charge separation efficiency.

Automated summary

Efficient metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) for photocatalytic H-2 production from water have gained significant attention, but their poor conductivity limits their activity. A Ti-based MOF composite (Ti3C2@MIL-NH2) was developed, showing superior H-2 evolution performance with a high rate. Intimate interfacial contact between Ti3C2 and MIL-NH2 accelerates electron transfer and improves photo-generated charge separation efficiency.