Recent progress on MXene-hematite nanocomposite catalyst for water-splitting applications: Synthesis strategies, synergetic performance, and future perspectives

Mxene, an emerging 2D nanomaterial, in combination with earth-abundant and widely used hematite (α-Fe₂O₃), can potentially be used as an alternative electro/photocatalyst for water splitting. The synergetic combination of both materials improves water splitting performance. This enhancement results from strong interfacial interactions, improved charge transfer, accelerated reaction kinetics, better light absorption, and efficient charge separation. MXene possess a large surface-to-volume ratio, metallic conductivity, hydrophilicity, and rich surface functionalities. Hematite, on the other hand, is naturally abundant, chemically stable, and has a suitable band gap. Together, they have been utilized to create synergetic composite catalysts. Major synthesis synergetic strategies include nanostructuring, elemental doping, surface modification, and forming heterojunction structures, mostly through top-down approaches. The catalytic performance of this nanocomposite surpasses that of pristine MXene or hematite alone for hydrogen evolution, oxygen evolution reactions, and overall water splitting. Key challenges for large-scale production include ensuring material stability and achieving uniformity during synthesis. which can be overcome with continuous research and development by introducing new and refining the existing synthesis strategies for preparing industry-scale catalyst materials for water-splitting applications. This review highlights the recent progress and trends in synthesis strategies, synergetic performances, prospects, and challenges of MXene-hematite nanocomposites for water-splitting applications.