Role of Ti₃C₂ MXene as Prominent Schottky Barriers in Driving Hydrogen Production through Photoinduced Water Splitting: A Comprehensive Review

Abstract

Photocatalytic hydrogen generation through the utilization of the Ti 3 C 2 MXene photocatalyst offers the best alternatives to provide clean, sustainable, and renewable energy sources. The unique structure, good metallic conductivity, and excellent photochemical properties exhibited by Ti 3 C 2 MXene nominate it as a highly favored cocatalyst to derive hydrogen generation compared to other noncommercial semiconductors. This review highlights the role of Ti 3 C 2 MXene and its potential in promoting photocatalytic hydrogen production through the formation of Schottky interfaces. First, the structural overview and the basic principles of Ti 3 C 2 MXene in photocatalysis are summarized. Second, a brief introduction to the characteristics of Ti 3 C 2 MXene is made to give a firm understanding of its optoelectronic and electrical properties and its stability under thermal and oxidative treatment. Besides, the role of Ti 3 C 2 MXene in promoting photocatalytic hydrogen production is consistently discussed with a focus on the photoactivity enhancement of Ti 3 C 2 MXene-based Schottky junctions. Furthermore, insights into the different morphological effects of Ti 3 C 2 MXene on photocatalytic reactions are summarized. Finally, the future prospects and challenges are discussed to give insights into the future development of Ti 3 C 2 MXene. Hence, this review provides a significant overview for further exploring the role of Ti 3 C 2 MXene as an effective cocatalyst for photocatalytic H 2 production and other energy applications.

Shining light on ZnIn2S4 photocatalysts: Promotional effects of surface and heterostructure engineering toward artificial photosynthesis

“…However, the allocation of the functional groups, which terminate MXene surfaces, requires thorough experimental study in revamping the formation and distribution of these termination groups for an augmented photocatalytic behavior. Knowingly, it remains vexed to determine appropriate reaction parameters in synthesizing MXene cocatalysts with different termination groups for the utilization of a well‐performed electron mediator 158 . Thereby, intensified research focus could be directed toward both theoretical and experimental examination of the potential combination of various functional groups of MXene, anticipating a synergistic junction formation between ZnIn 2 S 4 and MXene groups.…”

“…Knowingly, it remains vexed to determine appropriate reaction parameters in synthesizing MXene cocatalysts with different termination groups for the utilization of a well-performed electron mediator. 158 Thereby, intensified research focus could be directed toward both theoretical and experimental examination of the potential combination of various functional groups of MXene, anticipating a synergistic junction formation between ZnIn 2 S 4 and MXene groups.…”

A Review on MXene Synthesis, Stability, and Photocatalytic Applications

“…Transition-metal carbides, nitrides, and carbonitrides, known as MXenes, which are a class of 2D materials with distinct optoelectronic properties, have recently emerged as desirable cocatalysts for photocatalytic applications. − MXenes have exhibited several distinct properties such as (1) atomically thin nanosheet morphology and metallic electrical conductivity guarantee quick migration of charge carriers from within the bulk to the surface; (2) abundant hydrophilic surface functional groups present on MXene nanosheets not only facilitate the chemical bonding with the semiconductor photocatalyst for enhanced interfacial charge transfer but also encourage their stable interaction with water molecules; and (3) as MXenes generally comprise atomic layers of transition metals as their top and bottom layers, these metal sites may offer strong redox activities. ,, …”

Defect Engineering in Graphitic Carbon Nitride Nanotextures for Energy Efficient Solar Fuels Production: A Review

“…Recently, graphitic carbon nitride (g-C 3 N 4 ) has been a promising metal-free semiconductor for photocatalytic applications. However, the photoactivity of g-C 3 N 4 is significantly restricted by its inadequate visible light absorption and low photogenerated charge carrier separation efficiency. , To enhance the photocatalytic activity of g-C 3 N 4 , researchers used a variety of methodologies, including nanoarchitecture design, noble metal deposition, heterostructure creation, heteroatom doping, and defect correction. − …”