In-situ growth of Ti3C2@MIL-NH2 composite for highly enhanced photocatalytic H2 evolution

Abstract

The design and development of efficient metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) for photocatalytic H2 production from water have gained significant attention. However, the photocatalytic activity of MOFs is greatly limited by the poor conductivity. Herein, a Ti-based MOF (MIL-NH2) are in-situ grown onto layered Ti3C2 MXene, and the latter acts as the Ti source at the same time. The obtained composite (Ti3C2@MIL-NH2) displays superior H2 evolution performance with a rate as high as 4383.1 μmol h−1 g−1, which is much higher than the other MOF-based materials as far as we know. Combined analysis suggests that the Ti atom in Ti3C2 coordinates with the –NH2 group in MIL-NH2. This intimate interfacial contact is crucial for accelerating electron transfer and improving the photo-generated charge separation efficiency.