Revealing the platinum single-atom anchoring mechanism through sequential surface engineering in Mo₂TiC₂T_x MXene

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Catalysis
• Surface Chemistry

Background:

• MXene materials offer unique properties for catalysis.
• Controlling the placement of single atoms on catalyst supports is crucial for efficiency.
• Existing methods for MXene surface engineering have limitations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a tunable electroreduction strategy for sequential surface engineering of Mo2TiC2Tx MXene.
• To identify specific atomic vacancies as anchoring sites for platinum single atoms.
• To establish MXene functionalization as a platform for single-atom catalysis.

Main Methods:

• Tunable electroreduction strategy.
• Sequential surface engineering of Mo2TiC2Tx MXene.
• Identification of Mo atomic vacancies.

Main Results:

• Mo atomic vacancies were identified as primary anchoring sites for platinum single atoms.
• The electroreduction strategy allowed for precise surface modification.
• Vacancy-directed MXene functionalization proved effective.

Conclusions:

• A tunable electroreduction strategy enables precise surface engineering of MXene.
• Mo atomic vacancies are key sites for anchoring platinum single atoms.
• Vacancy-directed MXene functionalization is a viable platform for single-atom catalysis.