Self-supported bulk MXene electrodes for electrochemical hydrogen applications

TL;DR

This paper introduces a scalable, cost-effective method to produce self-supported bulk MXene electrodes with enhanced stability and mechanical robustness for electrochemical hydrogen evolution, advancing practical applications in sustainable energy.

Contribution

It presents a novel fabrication process for bulk MXene electrodes that are binder-free, mechanically robust, and stable in electrolytes, addressing limitations of nanoscale MXene architectures.

Findings

Electrodes show good HER activity and stability.

Method effectively removes interlayer water and stabilizes structure.

Electrodes are scalable and cost-effective.

Abstract

MXenes are promising candidates for electrochemical applications due to their high conductivity, tunable surface chemistry, and catalytic potential. However, their use in bulk electrode form remains unexplored despite advantages such as higher current density and improved mechanical integrity. Herein, we present a methodology for the fabrication of self-supported vdW solid Ti3C2Tz MXene electrodes, produced by cold compaction followed by vacuum heat treatment at 600 {\deg}C, which effectively removes interlayer confined water and stabilizes the bulk 3D structure. The resulting binder-free electrodes exhibit enhanced mechanical robustness along with structural and chemical stability in various electrolytes. The MXene electrodes demonstrate adequate HER activity while maintaining electrochemical stability over time, with minimal oxidation or changes in termination surface chemistry. This approach is scalable and cost-effective, overcoming limitations of nanoscale MXene architectures in electrochemical environments and offering a practical pathway toward MXene-based materials for sustainable hydrogen energy technologies.