2D transition metal carbides (MXenes) for applications in electrocatalysis

Among many two-dimensional (2D) materials, MXenes have been demonstrated both by density functional theory (DFT) and experimental research as potential electrocatalysts due to their inherent properties, such as surface termination that can positively influence the properties of MXene and its hybrids, super hydrophilicity, and excellent electrical conductivity. Here, MXene synthesis from its MAX phase, modifications in MXenes such as MXene hybrids, variations in MXenes, doping with heteroatom, etc., have been discussed. The optimization effect as a result of these modifications has reflected on the performance of these MXenes as electrocatalysts during applications in oxygen evolution/reduction reaction (OER and ORR), hydrogen evolution reaction (HER), nitrogen reduction reaction (NRR), CO 2reduction reaction (CRR), and methanol oxidation reaction (MOR), which has also been discussed comprehensively. This chapter focuses on the material design and various methods of enhancements of MXene-based materials for electrochemical solutions to find a practical strategy for clean energy conversion.