MXene-based nanocomposite for electrocatalytic reduction of CO₂: Experimental and theoretical results

The increase of atmospheric CO₂ concentrations is a critical issue that has to be immediately resolved due to its negative impact, especially on global warming and climate change. Currently, converting CO₂ toward other valuable molecules has been subjected to enforce the zero emissions target in 2050 and build a sustainable energy process. From the advanced materials design aspect, MXenes are expected to be outstanding materials to support the several catalytic processes in CO₂ reduction due to their large surface area, conductivity, abundant active site, and high stability. This review focuses on the recent developments of MXene-based nanocomposite materials for reducing CO₂ through the electrocatalytic process. Notably, several products could be generated from this process, i.e., CO, HCOOH, CH₄, and CH₃OH. Various strategy to improve the MXene performance in CO₂ reduction has also been encompassed, i.e., the anchored of metal, metal oxide, and single-atom catalysts. The key properties, characteristics, applications, and plausible mechanisms for various catalysts have also been discussed. Moreover, the outlook for further development was highlighted in the last section.