CoFe2O4/g-C3N4 intercalated Ti3C2 MXene for efficient electrocatalytic hydrogen evolution reaction

Abstract

Seeking high-efficiency and stable electrocatalysts remains key to boosting electrocatalytic water splitting. Herein, a well-designed nontoxic MXene based composite, Ti₃C₂–CoFe₂O₄/g-C₃N₄ is prepared via ultrasonication for enhancing the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). Intercalation of CoFe₂O₄ and g-C₃N₄ within the multi-layered Ti₃C₂ MXene results in improved properties such as high surface area, large pore volume, and a low restacking tendency that leads to enhanced electrochemical active sites, high charge carrier separation, and stability. The prepared composite is characterized via various physicochemical techniques. The amalgamated composite shows a lower overpotential of 223 mV in an alkaline medium at a current density of 10 mA cm⁻². The Tafel slope and charge transfer resistance (R_ct) value for the HER are 48.5 mV dec⁻¹ and 3.94 Ω, respectively. The heterojunction formation improves the efficacy of the MXene composite and provides a new perception that can be beneficial for water splitting applications.