Fe/Co/Ni modified Ti3C2Tx nanosheets accelerate alkaline hydrogen evolution reaction

Abstract

The novel two-dimensional MXene material Ti₃C₂T_x boasts advantages such as large specific surface area, good electrical conductivity, and high stability, making it suitable for the field of electrocatalysis. However, Ti₃C₂T_x exhibits unacceptably slow kinetics during the electrocatalytic hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). Electron–metal–support interaction is an effective method for regulating the electronic state of active sites and enhancing HER performance. Therefore, in this study, Fe, Co, and Ni were respectively loaded onto Ti₃C₂T_xvia electron beam deposition to form electron microscopy-supported interface (EMSI) effects, thereby improving the HER activity of Ti₃C₂T_x. The tests conclude that loading different transition metals (Fe, Co, Ni) onto Ti₃C₂T_x effectively enhances its HER performance. Experimental and theoretical studies further indicate that the electrocatalytic performance of Ni-loaded Ti₃C₂T_x is superior to that of Co-loaded and Fe-loaded Ti₃C₂T_x. This work presents a promising strategy for synthesizing metal-loaded MXene.