Insights into the role of MXenes as multifunctional material for fuel cell technologies: As electrocatalysts and electrolytes

The transition to sustainable power conversion technologies is not only necessary for environmental, energy, and economic development but also imperative for scientific innovation and growth. As the dependency on renewable power sources rises, the focus on developing highly efficient, scalable, and cost-effective solutions becomes crucial. Within this context, fuel cells represent a compelling alternate energy source strategy. However, barriers like high cost, complexity in manufacturing, and durability issues hinder their widespread adoption. As a viable option, MXenes significantly contribute to the advancement of fuel cells. Continued studies and developments in this area, benefit many researchers, and the current study explores the application of MXenes in various types of fuel cells by emphasizing their properties that enable MXenes to act as both electrocatalysts and electrolytes in fuel cells. Most of the literature focuses on tailoring MXenes in specific fuel cells by overcoming barriers like layer restacking and limited scalability, thereby opening new avenues for practical application. The ability to replace noble metals provides a promising pathway for MXenes in electrocatalysis which is highlighted in this article. Moreover, integrating MXenes and their composites in fuel cell technologies paves the way toward creating a sustainable society.