Work

Vapor-Assisted In Situ Synthesis of the Nb2CTxNS/NbO2F MXene Heterostructure for Enhanced Solar-Driven Photoelectrochemical Performance

Year: 2024

Type: article

Abstract: High Resolution Image Download MS PowerPoint Slide Photocatalytic water splitting holds great potential for transforming solar energy into valuable chemical products. However, obstacles such as the rapid recombination of electron–hole pairs and insufficiently active surface areas of photocatalysts remain significant challenges. In this study, we present the first demonstration that lithium bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide vapor successfully etches aluminum from Nb 2 AlC MAX phase powders while concurrently forming NbO 2 F anchors on Nb 2 CT x nanosheet (Nb 2 CT x NS) MXene, leading to the in situ formation of a Nb 2 CT x NS/NbO 2 F heterostructure composite. This novel material exhibits a remarkable photoelectrochemical performance, achieving a current density of 252 μA cm –2, which is 1000 and 10 times greater than those of Nb 2 AlC MAX and Nb 2 C nanosheet MXene, respectively. These findings shed light on innovative approaches for developing photocatalytic materials via vapor-assisted synthesis, offering a promising pathway for advancing material discovery in both photo- and energy-related fields.

Source: The Journal of Physical Chemistry Letters

DOI: 10.1021/acs.jpclett.4c02684

Authors: Ying-Chih Pu, Yi-Chen Yu, Jen-An Shih, Yi-Li Chen, I-Wen Peter Chen

Institutions: National University of Tainan, National Cheng Kung University

Language: English

Topic: MXene and MAX Phase Materials

Subfield: Materials Chemistry

Field: Materials Science

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDG: Affordable and clean energy

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $4,500