A simple approach to synthesis Cr2CTx MXene for efficient hydrogen evolution reaction. (June 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Zou, Xinshu; Liu, Hao; Xu, Hao; Wu, Xueyun; Han, Xiaocang; Kang, Jianli; Reddy, Kolan Madhav
• Is Part Of: Materials today energy. Volume 20(2021)
• Publication Date: 2021-06
• Subjects: MXenes -- Nanostructures -- Chemical etching -- Electron microscopy -- Electrocatalyst; Energy development -- Periodicals; Energy industries -- Periodicals; Power resources -- Periodicals; Energy policy -- Periodicals; Energy development; Energy industries; Energy policy; Power resources; Electronic journals; Periodicals; 621.042
• DOI: 10.1016/j.mtener.2021.100668
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2468-6069

Abstract

Abstract: Two-dimensional chromium carbide-based MXenes are predicted as an efficient catalyst for the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). However, the lack of an effective approach to fabricate this promising material remains an impediment to practical applications. Herein, a simple strategy is proposed to synthesis Cr2 CTx ultrathin structures from Cr2 AlC MAX. The high-resolution analytical scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM) corroborated with X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy demonstrates that the Al atomic layers have been detached from the pristine MAX structure. Further atomic-resolution STEM confirms that the ultrathin Cr2 CTx sheets with fluoride-free surface, nanostructured Cr2 CO2, and Al2 O3 phases are originated as by-products. The electrochemical test shows that the fabricated Cr2 CTx composite with minimal Al2 O3 have a good performance for hydrogen evolution reaction and exceed even that of Pt sheet catalyst at high current density. Moreover, high stability of more than 160 h without attenuation was observed to be better than the other MXenes catalytic performer to date. This work paves a gentle route to fabricate Cr2 CTx MXene and demonstrates the potential application for HER. Graphical abstract: Image 1 Highlights: Cr2 CTx ultrathin structures synthesized from Cr2 AlC MAX using a simple chemical route. The advanced characterization investigation revealed Al atomic layers have been detached from the MAX. The nanostructured Cr2 CO2 and Al2 O3 phases were observed as by-products in etched MXene. The electrochemical tests demonstrated Cr2 CTx possesses high current density and excellent stability for HER.