Journal article - Review
MXenes as emerging 2D materials for hydrogen generation: advances and future prospects
Journal of materials chemistry. A, Materials for energy and sustainability
2026
Abstract
MXenes, a rapidly evolving group of two-dimensional (2D) materials exhibit unique properties including layered morphology, high electrical conductivity, large surface area, hydrophilicity, and chemically tunable surface terminations. Their capability to facilitate efficient charge transport and activate surface catalytic sites has made MXenes prominent materials for sustainable hydrogen (H2) evolution. In this review, we explore MXene-based heterostructures for their applications in electrocatalytic, photocatalytic, and photoelectrochemical H2 evolution emphasizing on the synergistic effects of composition, surface chemistry, and interfacial engineering on catalytic activity. We critically evaluate how diverse synthesis pathways control the morphological and electronic properties of MXenes. The significance of dimensional engineering in enhancing charge transport, active site accessibility, and catalytic efficiency is examined, along with emerging MXene architectures that extend beyond traditional 2D nanosheets. Special attention is given towards the integration of experimental progress and computational design, where density functional theory (DFT) and machine learning (ML) algorithms enable the predictive design principles, identify key activity descriptors, and accelerate the discovery of high-performance MXene-based HER catalysts. Finally, we outline the key challenges and propose strategic directions for advancing MXene-based materials in next-generation hydrogen technologies.
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Details
- Title
- MXenes as emerging 2D materials for hydrogen generation: advances and future prospects
- Creators
- Pooja Varma - Korea National University of TransportationSukanya Saha - Indian Institute of Chemical TechnologyNithin Kumar Banoth - Academy of Scientific and Innovative ResearchAppala Naidu - Academy of Scientific and Innovative ResearchSeung Jun Lee (Corresponding Author) - Korea National University of TransportationMoses Abraham Bokinala (Corresponding Author) - Drexel University, A.J. Drexel Nanomaterials InstituteD. Amaranatha Reddy (Corresponding Author) - Indian Institute of Information Technology Design and Manufacturing, KurnoolUjjwal Pal (Corresponding Author) - Indian Institute of Chemical Technology
- Publication Details
- Journal of materials chemistry. A, Materials for energy and sustainability
- Publisher
- Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC)
- Number of pages
- 66
- Grant note
- Unassigned / Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research GAP-1086 / National Institute of Ocean Technology, Ministry of Earth Sciences; Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES) - India 2980/FKPDR/2023 / United States - India Educational Foundation CLP-0138/HPCL / Hindustan Petroleum CRG/2023/006694 / Science and Engineering Research Board RS-2023-00213746; RS-2025-25400034 / National Research Foundation of Korea Unassigned / Arthritis National Research Foundation; National Research Foundation of Korea
- Resource Type
- Journal article
- Language
- English
- Academic Unit
- A.J. Drexel Nanomaterials Institute
- Web of Science ID
- WOS:001713159200001
- Scopus ID
- 2-s2.0-105032715060
- Other Identifier
- 991022170455904721