Ti3C2Tx Nanosheet/NiFe2O4 Nanoparticle Composites for Electrocatalytic Water Splitting

This study reports the synthesis and detailed characterization of a Ti3C2Tx sheets/NiFe2O4 ferrite nanocomposite designed to enhance bifunctional electrocatalytic water splitting. Utilizing a facile hydrothermal approach, the nanocomposite effectively combines the exceptional electrical conductivity and high surface area of MXene sheets with the outstanding catalytic properties of NiFe2O4 ferrite nanoparticles. Comprehensive characterization through X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) confirmed the successful integration of NiFe2O4 nanoparticles onto the MXene nanosheets. Furthermore, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) revealed significant electronic interactions between the MXene substrate and NiFe2O4 ferrite nanoparticles, which are critical to the observed enhancement in catalytic performance. Electrochemical evaluations demonstrated that the synthesized Ti3C2Tx/NiFe2O4@20% (MNFO20) nanocomposite exhibits remarkable bifunctional catalytic activity, achieving an overpotential of 181 mV for the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) and 157 mV for the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) at a current density of 10 mA cm–2 in both alkaline and acidic environments. Notably, the nanocomposite exhibited excellent stability, retaining its catalytic performance after 3000 cycles. The synergistic interaction between the MXene nanosheet and NiFe2O4 ferrite nanoparticle leads to optimized adsorption energies for the reaction intermediates, thereby enhancing overall catalytic efficiency. This work introduces a strategy for developing high-performance and cost-effective electrocatalysts for water-splitting applications, contributing to advancements in renewable energy technologies.