3D interweaving MXene–graphene network–confined Ni–Fe layered double hydroxide nanosheets for enhanced hydrogen evolution. (1st March 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Shen, Binfeng; Huang, Huajie; Jiang, Yi; Xue, Ya; He, Haiyan
• Is Part Of: Electrochimica acta. Volume 407(2022)
• Publication Date: 2022-03-01
• Subjects: MXene -- Graphene -- Layered double hydroxide -- Electrocatalyst -- Hydrogen evolution; Electrochemistry -- Periodicals; Electrochemistry, Industrial -- Periodicals; 541.37
• DOI: 10.1016/j.electacta.2022.139913
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0013-4686

Abstract

Highlights: 3D interweaving MXene-RGO networks are constructed by a bottom-up approach. The cross-linked porous framework effectively avoids the aggregation of the nanosheets. The Ni-Fe LDH nanosheets confined in the 3D networks afford numerous active sites. The 3D hybrid architecture expresses superior electrocatalytic ability for the HER. Abstract: The design and construction of high-performance and low-cost Pt-free electrode materials based on earth-abundant transition metal elements are very helpful to break the technical bottleneck of the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). In the present work, a robust and convenient bottom-up strategy is developed to the controllable synthesis of 3D interweaving Ti3 C2 Tx MXene-reduced graphene oxide network-confined Ni-Fe layered double hydroxide nanosheets (LDH/MX-RGO) via a co-assembly process. Such a newly-designed configuration offers a number of favorable textural features, such as highly accessible surface areas, abundant porosity, plentiful exposed active centers, optimized electronic structure, and adequate electron conducting pathways. By taking the synergistic effects, the resulting LDH/MX-RGO architectures express enhanced HER performance in terms of lower onset potentials, smaller Tafel slopes, larger electrochemically active surface areas, and longer lifespan in the alkaline solution, which are superior to those of bare Ni-Fe LDHs, Ti3 C2 Tx, RGO as well as binary LDH/MX and LDH/RGO catalysts. This work is anticipated to open new avenues for utilizing 3D porous MXene-carbon frameworks as solid supports for the ingenious design of efficient and inexpensive electrocatalysts. Graphical abstract: The controllable synthesis of 3D interweaving Ti3 C2 Tx MXene-reduced graphene oxide network-confined Ni-Fe layered double hydroxide nanosheets is achieved by a convenient bottom-up approach. Owing to the cross-linked networks, exposed active centers, and optimized electronic structure, the obtained 3D architecture expresses superior electrocatalytic performance toward the hydrogen evolution reaction. Image, graphical abstract