Applications of Two Dimensional Material-MXene for Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells (PEMFCs) and Water Electrolysis

A new kind of two-dimensional (2D) material MXene (early transition metal carbides, nitrides and carbonitrides) is obtained by selective etching the A element from the MAX phases. MXene exhibits both the metallic conductivity and the hydrophilic nature due to its metal layer structure and hydroxyl or oxygen terminated surfaces. This review provides an overview of the MXene used in the electrolytes and electrodes for the fuel cells and water splitting. MXene with functional groups termination could construct ion channels that significantly benefit ion conductivity through the electrolyte. The metal supported by MXene interaction offers electronic, compositional, and geometric effects that could enhance the catalytic activity and stability. MXene has already shown promising performance for fuel cells and water electrolysis. Herein, the etching and intercalation methods of MXene in recent years are summarized. The applications of MXene for fuel cells electrolyte, catalyst and water splitting catalyst are revealed to provide a more brief idea for MXene used as new energy materials.