Recent advances in MXene as electrocatalysts for sustainable energy generation: A review on surface engineering and compositing of MXene

The electrocatalysis have a crucial role in the journey towards sustainable energy-economy. By observing present scenario, it can be inferred that the electrochemical energy technologies have become an inseparable system in our everyday-life. From generating green fuels to fabrication of high rechargeable electrochemical systems, are being achieved with the help of electrocatalyst. But, the shortage of pertinent catalysts has hindered this process. The desirable factors mainly required in a suitable electrocatalyst are its economic feasibility, robustness, reusability, and performance efficiency. To achieve that, scientists from all over the globe recommended various options, where tuning the MXenes are one of them. Characteristics like hydrophilicity, superior conductivity, and facile processing techniques have made them prominent choice for the applications. Further, enhancements like forming hybrids, different procedures of synthesis of its sheets are done to alter the electronic and structural features to achieve better catalytic activity. In this article, we are going to illustrate some of the important synthesis strategies, applications along with their pros and cons. This article promotes recent advancements in the surface engineering of MXene and its composites such as electrocatalyst in hydrogen evolution reaction (HER), oxygen evolution reaction (OER), and oxygen reduction reaction (ORR); meanwhile invites researchers from different fields of science applications to contribute in this research to expand its extent.

Automated summary

Electrocatalysis plays a crucial role in sustainable energy-economy development, but the shortage of catalysts has been a hindrance. MXenes, with characteristics like hydrophilicity, superior conductivity, and facile processing techniques, are recommended as excellent electrocatalysts. This article illustrates important synthesis strategies, applications, and pros and cons of MXenes, and encourages researchers from different scientific fields to contribute to expand this research.