Progressive MXene-based photocatalytic and electrocatalytic sustainable reduction of CO2 to chemicals: comprehensive review and future directions

Abstract

To reverse the impact of CO₂, it is necessary not only to curb the dependence on fossil fuels but also develop effective strategies to capture and utilize CO₂ in the atmosphere. However, the solar-to-chemical efficiency for the reduction of CO₂ using photocatalysts is not satisfactory in practical applications due to their poor adsorption and activation of CO₂, rapid recombination of photogenic charge carriers, and deactivation of their surface sites. Thus, herein, we aim to concisely summarize the state-of-the-art development of 2D-MXene-based photocatalysts for CO₂ reduction. First, we briefly introduce the mechanism for the photocatalytic reduction of CO₂. Second, the synthesis and properties of MXene composites are summarized together with their role in electrochemical photocatalytic CO₂ reduction. Third, various types of MXene-based photocatalysts such as MXene/metal oxide, MXene/nitride, MXene/perovskite, MXene/LDH, and MXene-based photocatalytic CO₂ reduction photocatalysts are classified and shown. Finally, we present the related challenges and perspectives on MXene-based photocatalysts.