Physicochemical Modulations in MXenes for Carbon Dioxide Mitigation and Hydrogen Generation: Tandem Dialogue between Theoretical Anticipations and Experimental Evidences

• Published in: Journal of colloid and interface science 2025-02, Vol.679 (Pt A), p.1046-1075
• Main Authors: Asim Ali, Syed, Khanam, Madeeha, Sadiq, Iqra, Shaheen, Saman, Ahmad, Tokeer
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Carbon capture; Hydrogen energy; MXenes; Physicochemical excellence; Surface Chemistry
• ISSN: 0021-9797; 1095-7103; 1095-7103
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jcis.2024.10.044

[Display omitted] •Physicochemical excellence of MXenes demonstrating their multi-dimensionality in wide range of applications.•Controlling the physicochemical properties of MXenes to enhance the catalytic efficiency of MXenes materials.•Energy-driven applications of MXenes hybrids in photochemical/electrochemical CO2RR and HER applications.•Theoretical modelling and experimental achievements of MXenes for attaining new heights of sustainability. The dawn of MXenes has fascinated researchers under their intriguing physicochemical attributes that govern their energy and environmental applications. Modifications in the physicochemical properties of MXenes pave the way for efficient energy-driven operations such as carbon capture and hydrogen generation. The physicochemical modulations such as interface engineering through van der Waals coupling with homo/hetero-junctions render the tunability of optoelectronic variables driving the photochemical and electrochemical processes. Herein, we have reviewed the recent achievements in physicochemical properties of MXenes by highlighting the role of intercalants/terminal groups, atomic defects, surface chemistry and few/mono-layer formation. Recent findings of MXenes-based materials are systematically surveyed in a tandem manner with the future outlook for constructing next-generation multi-functional catalytic systems. Theoretical modelling of MXenes surface engineering proffers the mechanistic comprehension of surface phenomena such as termination, interface formation, doping and functionalization, thereby enabling the researchers to exploit them for targeted applications. Therefore, theoretical anticipations and experimental evidences of electrochemical/photochemical carbon dioxide reduction and hydrogen evolution reactions are synergistically discussed.