Recent advances in MXenes supported semiconductors based photocatalysts: Properties, synthesis and photocatalytic applications

Abstract

The families of MAX phases and their derivatives MXenes are constantly increasing in terms of both composition and crystalline mixtures. In the last three years, numerous advances were accomplished that improved the preparation of new MAX phases with prearranged double transition metals and, as a result, the production of novel MXenes with a high structural complexity and chemical multiplicity, infrequently observed in other families of two-dimensional samples. In this evaluation, hybrids of MXenes and semiconductors are efficient photocatalysts, because of their specific interface characteristics and Schottky heterojunction is capable of giving accelerated charge separation and a lower Schottky barrier for photocatalytic applications. The latest advances were proved that the MXenes supported semiconductors based photocatalysts can be expected as the most advantaged and encouraged novel photocatalysts in the photocatalytic and photoelectrochemical applications. Besides, we have explained significant developments in efficient MXenes supported semiconductors based nanocomposites, including the frequent synthesis strategies and progress mechanisms, in addition to their new applications including, photodegradation of dyes, CO2 conversion, photocatalytic and photoelectrochemical water splitting reaction applications. The review was completed with a short presentation of future challenges and prospects in the progress of MXenes supported semiconductors based photocatalysts. It is also believed that this review will encourage further exploration and will inaugurate new promising to increase new MXenes supported semiconductors based photocatalysts with new and inspiring applications.