Cutting-edge advancements in MXene-derived materials: Revolutionary electrocatalysts for hydrogen evolution and high-performance energy storage

MXenes belong to a set of 2-dimensional (2D) materials composed of transition metals, carbides, nitrides, and carbonitrides demonstrated unique properties in several fields including catalysis and energy storage. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the recent trends in MXene-based catalysts for hydrogen evolution reactions (HER) and their potential applications in energy storage devices. MXenes are widely sought-after as HER catalysts because of their distinctive properties including large surface area, variable surface chemistry, and high electrical conductivity. Extensive research in their synthesis, characterization, and performance reveals their superior catalytic activity, stability, and affordability compared to conventional catalysts. They have also shown great promise for use in energy storage devices notably supercapacitors and batteries. This review paper examines various synthesis techniques and emphasizes how various factors affect catalysis with MXenes for HER. The 2D structure of MXenes enables effective charge storage and transfer, with excellent conductivity and numerous active sites for species adsorption. In the MXenes domain, a crucial gap exists lack of a thorough review on recent advancements, specifically focusing on electrocatalysts for HER and energy storage in batteries. This concise narrative systematically addresses current progress, challenges, proposing solutions, briefly exploring synthesis methods, and delving into applications including prospective HER catalysts and strategies for enhanced activity and energy storage, especially in sodium, lithium, and zinc ion batteries.)