Hybridization of Binary Non‐Precious‐Metal Nanoparticles with d‐Ti₃C₂ MXene for Catalyzing the Oxygen Reduction Reaction

Abstract

In this work, an advanced integrated electrode for high‐performance electrocatalytic oxygen reduction is designed and fabricated directly by in‐situ hybridization of binary non‐precious metal (Fe−Co) ethylenediamine chelate complexes with multi‐layered d‐Ti3C2 MXene nanoflakes, in the formation of FeCo (3 : 1)‐N‐d‐Ti3C2 MXene. The catalyst exhibits outstanding oxygen reduction reaction activity with more positive onset potential and half‐wave potential than commercial 20 wt.% Pt/C and achieves a current density of 5.60 mA ⋅ cm−2 in O2‐saturated 0.1 M KOH electrolyte solution. Furthermore, remarkable stability and methanol tolerance can be detected. The outstanding activity and stability can be attributed to the fact that the FeCoEDA chelate nanoparticles are successfully grafted onto the d‐Ti3C2 MXene nanoflake substrate instead of being deposited. Thus, aggregation of the particles is prevented and a large specific surface area is provided, enhancing charge transfer reactions. We conclude that the in‐situ hybridization of MXenes with non‐precious metal compounds is a promising candidate for replacing traditional Pt‐based catalyst materials for oxygen reduction in fuel cells.

Rational Design of Highly Stable and Active MXene‐Based Bifunctional ORR/OER Double‐Atom Catalysts

“…For example, MXene‐supported CoNi/Ti 3 C 2 T x ( E OER = 1.55 V) [ 24 ] and Co‐Ti 2 CT x ( E OER = 1.66 V), [ 25 ] as well as hierarchical FeCo‐LDH/Ti 3 C 2 T x nanohybrids ( E OER = 1.53 V), [ 26 ] exhibited superior OER activities to those of IrO 2 and RuO 2 catalysts. Furthermore, a FeNC/Ti 3 C 2 T x hybrid ( E ORR = 0.81 V), [ 27 ] Mn 3 O 4 /Ti 3 C 2 T x nanocomposites ( E ORR = 0.85 V), [ 28 ] and FeCo(3:1)‐N‐d‐Ti 3 C 2 hybrids ( E ORR = 0.96 V) [ 29 ] can effectively enhance the ORR performance. Unfortunately, although there are several precedents for Fe/Co/Ni‐modified MXene materials as OER or ORR catalysts, few studies have investigated the bifunctional OER/ORR catalytic performance of MXene‐based catalysts.…”

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

“…The preparation of FeCo (3:1)-N-d-Ti 3 C 2 MXene hybrid have also shown excellent ORR activity & remarkable stability (compared to commercial 20 wt.% Pt/C) and it is another effort to find an alternative of Pt/C. 109 The better electrochemical performance can be ascribed to the efficient synthesis technique that is, the FeCoEDA chelate nanoparticles are grafted onto the insitu hybridized d-Ti 3 C 2 MXene nanoflake substrate instead of being deposited. Thus, providing uniform distribution of nanoparticles in a large specific surface area that finally resulted in improvement of charge transfer reactions.…”

“…Moreover, the nanocomposite has shown good conductivity and the chemical properties got enhanced suitably which further augmented the electron transfer speed. The preparation of FeCo (3:1)‐N‐ d ‐Ti 3 C 2 MXene hybrid have also shown excellent ORR activity & remarkable stability (compared to commercial 20 wt.% Pt/C) and it is another effort to find an alternative of Pt/C 109 . The better electrochemical performance can be ascribed to the efficient synthesis technique that is, the FeCoEDA chelate nanoparticles are grafted onto the in‐situ hybridized d‐Ti 3 C 2 MXene nanoflake substrate instead of being deposited.…”

Recent Advances on MXene‐Based Electrocatalysts toward Oxygen Reduction Reaction: A Focused Review

“…Chen et al. [ 130 ] hybridized Ti 3 C 2 with FeCo nanoparticles without any carbon components. The FeCo–N–d‐Ti 3 C 2 MXene catalyst exhibited a low ORR activity, as indicated by the poor mixed‐kinetic‐diffusion‐controlled region of the linear sweep voltammetry profile.…”