Efficient hydrogen evolution using a two-dimensional MAX-supported Cu/TACN rod-spherical novel photocatalyst

•Simple etching with dilute nitric acid changes the morphology of TAC, enhancing its light absorption and utilization.•The incorporation of Cu/Cu2O aids in the migration of photogenerated electrons, facilitating the photocatalytic process.•The composite of TACN with Cu/Cu2O inhibits the complexation of photogenerated carriers to a great extent. Two-dimensional Cu/TACN rod-spherical photocatalysts were prepared via dilute nitric acid etching with MAX Ti3AlC2 (TAC) via a solvothermal method. These Cu/TACN photocatalysts were designed for photocatalytic hydrogen production in water. Notably, the 8 %Cu/TACN photocatalyst exhibited superior performance, achieving a hydrogen production rate of 2235.1μmol·g–1·h−1, which was about 21 times greater than the value of 109.0 μmol·g–1·h−1 observed for pure TAC. The marked enhancement in performance is attributed primarily to the synergistic effect of the close interfacial contact and aligned energy levels between the highly conductive, rod-like TACN and Cu/Cu2O particles. This interaction significantly accelerates the separation and transfer of photogenerated carriers. Consequently, etched and modified TAC treated with dilute nitric acid and a transition metal (Cu) provides a novel approach for designing photocatalysts and optimizing energy applications.