Photocatalysis over MXene-based hybrids: Synthesis, surface chemistry, and interfacial charge kinetics

Two-dimensional (2D) transition metal carbides and/or nitrides (MXenes) are a family of graphene-like 2D materials, with unique layered structures, high mechanical strength, excellent carrier mobility, and outstanding physical and chemical properties. In particular, the work function (Φ) of MXenes and Gibbs free energy of the adsorbed intermediate, such as H* (|△GH*|), can be regulated by their surface adsorption groups (–OH, –O, and –F), enabling the applications in the field of photocatalysis. This article systematically summarizes the recent advances of synthetic routes of MXene-based photocatalysts and discusses the interfacial charge kinetics and photogenerated charge transfer mechanism of MXene-based photocatalysts. Furthermore, major challenges and further research trends of MXene-based photocatalysts are also presented.