Latest progress in photocatalytic hydrogen production using MXene (Ti3C2)/MOFs composite: A review

The production of hydrogen through photocatalysis is an effective strategy for creating sustainable and eco-friendly energy. It harnesses solar energy to catalyze the division of water molecules into hydrogen and oxygen. In this method, photocatalysts, which are generally semiconductor materials, capture solar energy to facilitate the necessary oxidation-reduction reactions for the water splitting. Meanwhile, the two-dimensional material known as Ti3C2Tx MXene is emerging as a prominent player among atomic layer nanomaterials. It features tunable structures, a high surface area-to-volume ratio, hydrophilicity, varied surface chemistry, superior electrical conductivity, and a multitude of sites active in redox reactions. MXenes serve as exceptional co-catalysts in the generation of photocatalytic fuels, thanks to their metallic characteristics. When MXenes are integrated with materials possessing an energy band gap, like semiconductors, it enhances the electron transfer efficiency, prolongs the lifespan of charge carriers, and ultimately boosts the hydrogen production via photocatalysis. Concurrently, metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) are being recognized as materials of great potential due to their vast surface area and semiconductor-like properties. The combination of MOFs with Ti3C2Tx may pave the way for the development of composite materials that exhibit enhanced efficiency in solar energy capture. MOFs possess the capability to generate photoinduced electron/hole pairs (e−/h+). These pairs can facilitate the transfer of electrons to MXene through Schottky junctions, thereby aiding in photoredox reactions. The primary aim of this research is to elucidate recent advancements in the domain of Ti3C2Tx/MOF composites and their application in the production of hydrogen. © 2024 Hydrogen Energy Publications LLC