Stable and efficient Ti3C2 MXene/MAPbI3-HI system for visible-light-driven photocatalytic HI splitting

Photo absorbing perovskites i.e. MAPbI(3) have recently been emerging as promising photocatalysts for H-2 evolution from HI solution. However, the adverse charge recombination of MAPbI(3) at the nanoscale domain hinders its photocatalytic H-2 evolution reaction (HER) performance. To address this issue, the metallic Ti3C2 MXene nanosheets is in-situ anchored on MAPbI(3) to construct stable and efficient MXene/MAPbI(3)-HI system for visible-light-driven photocatalytic H-2 evolution. The exfoliated MXene is approximate two-layer with the thickness of-2.52 nm, and a series of optical/optoelectrochemical characterizations demonstrate that the two layered MXene is capable of rapidly transporting the electrons from MAPbI(3) to effectively inhibit the charge recombination and simultaneously providing abundant active sites for H+ reduction and H-2 evolution. As a result, the photocatalytic performance of the MXene/MAPbI(3) in term of HER rate and stability is greatly promoted, with an extremely high HER rate of 3124 mu mol h-1 g(-1). This work provides a rational route on the reliable design and synthesis of high-efficiency and stable 2D electron transport/3D light absorber perovskite-based photocatalysts.

Automated summary

In this study, metallic Ti3C2 MXene nanosheets were anchored on MAPbI(3) to construct a stable and efficient MXene/MAPbI(3)-HI system for visible-light-driven photocatalytic H-2 evolution. The MXene effectively inhibited charge recombination and provided abundant active sites, leading to significantly enhanced photocatalytic performance.