Fabrication of tunable hierarchical MXene@AuNPs nanocomposites constructed by self-reduction reactions with enhanced catalytic performances

MXene, a new type of two-dimensional layered transition metal carbide material differing from graphene, demonstrates intriguing chemical/physical properties and wide applications in recent years. Here, the preparation of the self-assembled MXene-gold nanoparticles (MXene@AuNPs) nanocomposites with tunable sizes is reported. The nanocomposites are obtained via the self-reduction reactions of MXene material in a HAuCl4 solution at room temperature. The sizes of the Au particles can be well-controlled by regulating the self-reduction reaction time. They can greatly influence the catalytic behaviors of the MXene@AuNPs composites. MXene@AuNPs composites with optimized reduction time show high catalytic performances and good cycle stability for model catalytic reactions of nitro-compounds, such as 2-nitrophenol and 4-nitrophenol. This work demonstrates a new approach for the preparation of tunable MXene-based self-assembled composites.