2D/2D MOF/MXene Schottky Junction: Prolonged Carrier Lifetime and Enhanced Hydrogen Evolution Efficiency.

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Renewable Energy
• Photocatalysis

Background:

• Sustainable hydrogen (H2) production via photocatalytic water splitting is crucial for addressing energy and environmental concerns.
• Developing efficient and durable photocatalysts is a key challenge in achieving this goal.
• Existing photocatalysts often suffer from limited efficiency and stability.

Purpose of the Study:

• To design and evaluate a 2D/2D Schottky heterojunction for visible-light-driven overall water splitting.
• To investigate the synergistic effects between Cu2[CuTCPP] MOF and Ti3C2 MXene.
• To demonstrate enhanced hydrogen evolution rates and catalyst durability.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of a 2D/2D Schottky heterojunction using Cu2[CuTCPP] MOF and Ti3C2 MXene.
• Characterization using density functional theory (DFT) simulations, in situ irradiation X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), femtosecond transient absorption spectroscopy (TAS), and X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS).
• Performance evaluation for visible-light-driven overall water splitting and H2 evolution.

Main Results:

• The Cu2[CuTCPP]/Ti3C2 heterojunction exhibits efficient interfacial charge migration and prolonged carrier lifetimes due to an interfacial electric field.
• Ti3C2 MXene acts as a cocatalyst, enhancing photohole transport and reducing oxidative degradation.
• The heterojunction demonstrates a high H2 evolution rate exceeding 5000 µmol gcat⁻¹.
• Synergistically enhanced light absorption properties were observed.

Conclusions:

• The developed 2D/2D Schottky heterojunction shows significant promise for efficient and durable photocatalytic water splitting.
• This material design strategy offers a pathway for next-generation renewable hydrogen production systems.
• The findings highlight the potential of MOF-MXene heterojunctions in sustainable energy applications.