A review on catalyst convergence: Unleashing the potential of MXenes for CO₂ electrochemical reduction into high-value liquid product

The electrochemical reduction reaction of carbon dioxide (CO₂-ERR) holds tremendous potential as a key approach for achieving carbon neutrality by harnessing renewable resources. However, the current state of CO₂-ERR encounters challenges in terms of efficiency and selectivity. Overcoming these obstacles requires the development of a robust electrocatalyst capable of enhancing process efficiency and improving selectivity towards desired products. In recent years, 2D materials have garnered significant attention as efficient catalysts. Among them, MXene stands out of high interest due to unique multilayered structure and presence of surface functional moieties. The MXene material offers high electrical conductivity, versatile surface chemistry, and tunable interface designs. This comprehensive review explores the utilization of MXene-based catalysts for CO₂-ERR into valuable products. It covers fundamental aspects of electrochemical conversion, including CO₂ adsorption on MXene Ti₃C₂T_x, the mechanism of CO₂-ERR on MXene (Mo₂CS₂) single-atom catalysts, applications, synthesis methods of MXene production, and future prospects. Additionally, the review highlights the significance of modern artificial intelligence techniques, particularly machine learning, in screening and activating CO₂, making it a pioneering scientific endeavor. © 2024 Chongqing University.