Synthesis and recent developments of MXene-based composites for photocatalytic hydrogen production

Abstract

The energy crisis has already seriously affected the daily lives of people around the world. As a result, designing efficient catalysts for photocatalytic hydrogen evolution (PHE) is a promising strategy for energy supply. Co-catalyst modification can significantly enhance the photocatalytic activity of single semiconductors, overcoming limitations posed by their narrow visible light absorption range and high electron–hole recombination rate. MXene-based composites demonstrate immense potential as co-catalysts for photocatalytic hydrogen production owing to their distinctive two-dimensional layered structure and outstanding photoelectrochemical properties, and further research and development efforts surrounding MXene-based composites will contribute significantly to the progress of sustainable energy technologies. In this review, we offer a comprehensive overview of synthesis methods for MXene and MXene-based composites, highlight illustrative instances of binary and ternary MXene-based composites in PHE, and explore potential avenues for future research and expansion of MXene-based composites.