Multilayered Ti₃C₂T_x MXene as a highly active electrocatalyst for hydrogen evolution reaction

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Electrochemistry
• Nanotechnology

Background:

• Two-dimensional materials are gaining interest as electrocatalysts for the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER).
• Efficient and stable electrocatalysts are crucial for sustainable hydrogen production.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the HER activity of multilayered MXene (ML-Ti3C2Tx).
• To evaluate the stability and durability of ML-Ti3C2Tx as an electrocatalyst for hydrogen production.

Main Methods:

• Synthesis of ML-Ti3C2Tx via hydrogen fluoride etching of Ti3AlC2 MAX phase.
• Electrochemical characterization of HER activity, including overpotential and Tafel slope measurements.
• Long-term stability testing under continuous operation and cycling.

Main Results:

• ML-Ti3C2Tx exhibited excellent HER activity with a low overpotential (147 mV at 10 mA cm-2) and a Tafel slope of 80 mV dec-1.
• The material demonstrated superior stability and durability, showing a two-fold increase in HER activity compared to Pt/C over 50 hours and 5,000 cycles.
• Layered morphology and -O, -F surface terminations contributed to enhanced catalytic performance.

Conclusions:

• ML-Ti3C2Tx is a promising electrocatalyst for efficient and durable hydrogen production.
• The unique structural and surface properties of ML-Ti3C2Tx enable high HER activity in acidic media.
• This research highlights the potential of MXene-based materials for next-generation energy technologies.