Recent advances of MXene@MOF composites for catalytic water splitting and wastewater treatment approaches

MXenes are a group of 2D material which have been derived from the layered transition metal nitrides and carbides and have the characteristics like electrical conductivity, high surface area and variable surface chemical composition. Self-assembly of clusters/metal ions and organic linkers forms metal organic framework (MOF). Their advantages of ultrahigh porosity, highly exposed active sites and many pore architectures have garnered them a lot of attention. But poor conductivity and instability plague several conventional MOF. To address the issue, MOF can be linked with MXenes that have rich surface functional groups and excellent electrical conductivity. In this review, different etching methods for exfoliation of MXene along with the synthesis methods of MXene/MOF composites are reviewed, including hydrothermal method, solvothermal method, in-situ growth method, and self-assembly method. Moreover, application of these MXene/MOF composites for catalytic water splitting and wastewater treatment were also discussed in details. In addition to increasing a single MOF conductivity and stability, MXenes can add a variety of new features, such the template effect. Due to these benefits, MXene/MOF composites can be effectively used in several applications, including photocatalytic/electrocatalytic water splitting, adsorption and degradation of pollutants from wastewater. Finally, the authors explored the current challenges and the future opportunities to improve the efficiency of MXene/MOF composites.