Engineering surface functional groups of MXenes for advanced catalysis and energy technology

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Surface Chemistry
• Nanotechnology

Background:

• MXenes are 2D transition metal carbides, nitrides, and carbonitrides with unique properties like conductivity and tunable surface groups (T_x).
• Surface functional groups (T_x) significantly influence MXenes' structural, electronic, mechanical, and chemical characteristics.
• MXenes are promising for catalysis and energy storage due to their tunable surface chemistry.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically review advances in surface T_x engineering of MXenes.
• To elucidate the mechanisms linking T_x customization to property evolution and performance.
• To highlight the role of T_x tunability in MXenes for catalysis and energy technologies.

Main Methods:

• Review of recent literature on MXene surface T_x engineering strategies.
• Analysis of structure-property-performance relationships in MXenes.
• Discussion of mechanistic roles of distinct T_x in various applications.

Main Results:

• T_x engineering, via synthesis control or post-treatment, precisely modulates MXene properties like conductivity and stability.
• Tailored MXene properties enhance electrocatalysis (e.g., H₂ evolution, CO₂ reduction) and energy storage (batteries, supercapacitors).
• Specific T_x groups critically influence intermediate adsorption, charge transfer, ion accessibility, and redox activity.

Conclusions:

• Surface T_x engineering is a powerful strategy for optimizing MXenes in catalysis and energy storage.
• Understanding T_x-property-performance links is crucial for rational MXene design.
• Future research should focus on advanced surface engineering for novel MXene applications.