Combining MXene nanosheets with iron-based metal-organic frameworks for enhanced electrocatalytic hydrogen evolution reaction

Although the electrochemical water splitting is considered as one of the ideal hydrogen production methods, the high costs and low reserves of precious metals-based electrocatalysts severely hamper its large scale commercial application, which motivates the exploration and usage of high-efficiency non-precious metal electrocatalysts. Herein, we report a robust and controllable bottom-up strategy to fabricate a delicate two-dimensional porous nanoarchitecture constructed from iron-based metal-organic frameworks (MIL-100) and Ti3C2Tx MXene nanosheets (MIL/Ti3C2Tx) via an in situ solvothermal assembly process. The intercalated MIL-100 nanocrystals not only inhibit the interlayer restacking and agglomeration of Ti3C2Tx nanoflakes but also create a large number of interconnected pore channels for the adequate exposure of catalytic active sites, thus affording remarkable synergistic coupling effects. By the structural virtues of two-dimensional thin-sheet configuration, large specific surface area, high porosity, uniform MIL-100 dispersion, and exceptional electrical conductivity, the as-produced MIL/Ti3C2Tx nanoarchitecture exhibits enhanced electrocatalytic hydrogen evolution properties in terms of a low onset potential of 29 mV, an operating overpotential of 107 mV at 10 mA/cm2, a small Tafel slope of 61 mV/dec, and a long working life, all of which are significantly superior to those of bare MIL-100 and Ti3C2Tx electrocatalysts.