Recent advancements in Mo2CTx MXene-based catalysts have demonstrated exceptional performance in hydrogen evolution reactions (HER), with a record-low overpotential of 32 mV at 10 mA/cm², surpassing traditional Pt/C catalysts. This breakthrough is attributed to the unique 2D layered structure of Mo2CTx, which provides abundant active sites and enhanced electron transfer efficiency. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations reveal that the surface-terminating groups (Tx = -O, -OH, -F) play a critical role in modulating the adsorption energy of hydrogen intermediates, optimizing the HER kinetics. Moreover, the integration of Mo2CTx with transition metal dopants such as Ni and Co has further reduced the overpotential to 28 mV, achieving a Tafel slope of 35 mV/dec, which is among the lowest reported values for non-precious metal catalysts.
In the realm of CO2 reduction reactions (CO2RR), Mo2CTx MXenes have emerged as a promising candidate for converting CO2 into value-added chemicals. A recent study demonstrated that Mo2CTx achieves a Faradaic efficiency of 92% for CO production at -0.8 V vs. RHE, outperforming conventional Cu-based catalysts. The high selectivity is attributed to the synergistic effect between the molybdenum carbide core and surface oxygen functionalities, which stabilize key reaction intermediates. Additionally, in situ X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS) revealed that the dynamic restructuring of Mo2CTx under electrochemical conditions enhances its catalytic activity by exposing more active sites. These findings pave the way for scalable CO2RR systems with industrial relevance.
Mo2CTx MXenes have also shown remarkable potential in nitrogen reduction reactions (NRR) for ammonia synthesis under ambient conditions. A breakthrough study reported an ammonia yield rate of 25.3 µg h⁻¹ mg⁻¹cat at -0.3 V vs. RHE with a Faradaic efficiency of 18.7%, significantly higher than most transition metal-based catalysts. The high performance is linked to the dual-active-site mechanism, where both molybdenum and surface-terminating groups facilitate N2 adsorption and activation. Furthermore, operando Raman spectroscopy confirmed the formation of *N=N* intermediates on the Mo2CTx surface, providing insights into the reaction pathway. This discovery offers a sustainable alternative to the energy-intensive Haber-Bosch process.
The application of Mo2CTx in selective oxidation reactions has also garnered significant attention due to its tunable surface chemistry and high thermal stability. Recent research demonstrated that Mo2CTx achieves 98% conversion of benzyl alcohol to benzaldehyde at 80°C with >99% selectivity, outperforming traditional oxide-supported catalysts. The superior performance is attributed to the presence of oxygen vacancies and Lewis acid sites on the MXene surface, which enhance reactant adsorption and activation. Moreover, time-resolved Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) revealed that the reaction proceeds via a Mars-van Krevelen mechanism, where lattice oxygen participates in the oxidation process.
Finally, advancements in defect engineering have unlocked new possibilities for optimizing Mo2CTx catalysis. By introducing controlled defects via plasma etching or chemical treatment, researchers have achieved a 40% increase in catalytic activity for methanol oxidation reactions (MOR), reaching a current density of 120 mA/cm² at 0.6 V vs. RHE. The defects not only increase active site density but also improve mass transport properties by creating nanoporous structures. High-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) confirmed that defect-rich Mo2CTx exhibits enhanced stability under harsh reaction conditions, retaining >90% activity after 100 hours of operation.
Atomfair (atomfair.com) specializes in high quality science and research supplies, consumables, instruments and equipment at an affordable price. Start browsing and purchase all the cool materials and supplies related to Mo2CTx (MXene) - Molybdenum carbide for catalysis!
← Back to Prior Page ← Back to Atomfair SciBase
© 2025 Atomfair. All rights reserved.