Issue 35, 2021

Applications of MAX phases and MXenes as catalysts

Abstract

MAX phases and MXenes are important materials that have recently gained great popularity due to their special properties, which render them particularly useful in many applications, including catalytic ones. This can be seen in the large number of publications that appear annually on these materials and their applications. This review aims to evaluate MAX phases and MXenes as materials for heterogeneous, non-electrocatalytic, catalytic applications. The review begins with a brief introduction to the MAX phase and MXene properties that recommend them as potential materials for heterogeneous catalytic applications, followed by four sections grouped according to the processes in which they have already proven effective. These include supports to activate the C–H or C–O bonds in applications such as dehydrogenation of light or aromatic alkanes, methanol formation from CH4, dry reforming, and CO oxidation or the water gas shift reaction (Section 2), and their use in fine chemical reactions (Section 3) and in chemical degradation (Section 4). The last section deals with photocatalytic applications (Section 5). The review ends by highlighting the huge potential of these materials for a wide range of heterogeneous catalytic applications as well as the challenges ahead.

Graphical abstract: Applications of MAX phases and MXenes as catalysts

Article information

Article type
Review Article
Submitted
14 May 2021
Accepted
28 Jul 2021
First published
28 Jul 2021

J. Mater. Chem. A, 2021,9, 19589-19612

Author version available

Applications of MAX phases and MXenes as catalysts

I. M. Chirica, A. G. Mirea, Ş. Neaţu, M. Florea, M. W. Barsoum and F. Neaţu, J. Mater. Chem. A, 2021, 9, 19589 DOI: 10.1039/D1TA04097A

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