Fe/Co/Ni modified Ti₃C₂T nanosheets accelerate alkaline hydrogen evolution reaction

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Electrochemistry
• Nanotechnology

Background:

• Two-dimensional MXene materials, specifically Ti3C2Tx, offer excellent properties for electrocatalysis.
• However, Ti3C2Tx shows slow kinetics for the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER).
• Electron-metal-support interactions are key to improving electrocatalytic activity.

Purpose of the Study:

• To enhance the electrocatalytic hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) performance of Ti3C2Tx.
• To investigate the effect of loading different transition metals (Fe, Co, Ni) onto Ti3C2Tx.
• To explore the role of electron microscopy-supported interface (EMSI) effects.

Main Methods:

• Electron beam deposition was used to load Fe, Co, and Ni onto Ti3C2Tx.
• Electrocatalytic performance for HER was evaluated.
• Experimental and theoretical studies were conducted to understand the mechanisms.

Main Results:

• Loading Fe, Co, and Ni onto Ti3C2Tx significantly improved HER activity.
• Ni-loaded Ti3C2Tx exhibited superior HER performance compared to Co-loaded and Fe-loaded counterparts.
• EMSI effects were confirmed to play a crucial role in enhancing activity.

Conclusions:

• Transition metal loading on Ti3C2Tx is a viable strategy to boost HER performance.
• Ni-loaded Ti3C2Tx presents a promising electrocatalyst for HER.
• This research offers a novel approach for synthesizing advanced MXene-based catalysts.