Rational Synthesis of Mixed Metal Oxide Clusters Supported on a Partially Etched MAX Phase for Efficient Electrocatalytic CO2 Conversion

The precise fabrication of an efficient catalyst for CO2 conversion into beneficial hydrocarbons is particularly interesting for industrial and environmental applications. Herein, a three-dimensional (3D) hybrid of metal oxide clusters on a partially etched MAX phase (MxOy/MAX hybrid) is presented for efficient electrochemical reduction (eCR) of CO2 into renewable carbonaceous fuels. A scalable hydrothermal method is adopted for the controlled in-situ growth of CuO and NiO nanoparticle on a partially etched MAX phase framework. The structural, elemental and morphological analysis is performed by XRD, XPS, FTIR, SEM and TEM characterization. The CO2 eCR study on MxOy/MAX hybrid was conducted under ambient conditions. The 3D MxOy/MAX hybrid exhibited significantly improved eCR performance compared to the pristine MAX phase. The 3D MxOy/MAX scaffold with an intercalated network of mixed metal oxides affords a high surface area, ion diffusion, increased redox- active sites and improved conductivity that facilitate excellent catalytic activity. Moreover, the MxOy/MAX hybrid shows high structural stability and durability.Graphical Abstract