Emerging applications of MXene materials in CO2 photocatalysis

MXene materials, a young family of two-dimensional transition-metal carbides and nitrides, hold great promise for diverse demanding applications. Recently, it was discovered that MXenes can boost the efficiency of CO2 photocatalysis, e.g. by accelerating the charge separation, alleviating the photocorrosion, enhancing CO2 adsorption and activation, and promoting the photothermal conversion capability. In this mini-review, we summarize recent developments of photocatalysts based on MXene materials for various CO2 reduction reactions with a focus on the role of MXenes in photocatalytic processes. Several perspectives in terms of challenges and future research in this area are also highlighted.