MXene (Ti3C2Tx) supported electrocatalysts for methanol and ethanol electrooxidation: A review

MXene is a growing class of two-dimensional layered material that has been showed promising application in various energy storage and conversion technologies, due to its unique electrical, mechanical, surface and electrocatalytic properties. One of the promising applications of MXene is, its definite role as durable catalyst support material, for fuel cell anodic/cathodic reactions. Very recently, MXene supported catalysts have been identified as potential and stable support for various Pt and non-Pt metals designed for cathodic oxygen reduction reaction and it has been proved as excellent material to enhance the oxygen reduction kinetics. This had motivated the researchers to explore MXene as catalyst support for anodic methanol/ethanol oxidation reactions. In this review, recent developments in experimental and theoretical research on MXene-based electrocatalysts for the methanol/ ethanol oxidation reactions are examined and overviewed. After careful examination of the available literature, we presume that MXene supported electrocatalyst showed enhanced methanol/ethanol oxidation kinetics and therefore believed to have tremendous opportunities as durable catalyst support for alcohol fuel cells. However, researchers also consider several limitations and challenges that must be addressed for efficient application of MXenes as catalyst supports. Therefore, current research on MXenes with respect to the methanol/ethanol oxidation are discussed, with a focus on synthesis strategies, oxidation kinetics, and factors responsible for enhancing the electrocatalytic performance. Several strategies for the further development of efficient and durable MXene supported catalysts are also proposed.