Recent progress on the preparation and application in photocatalysis of 2D MXene-based materials

Since the discovery of MXene in 2011, its physical and chemical diversity has led to MXene being considered as a potential 2D material with a wide range of applications due to its tunable structure and rich surface chemistry. This review focuses on summarizing the preparation methods of MXene, MXene-based and MXene-derived two-dimensional photocatalysts and their application research progress in the field of photocatalysis. The preparation methods of MXene are described in detail from three aspects: wet etching method, anhydrous etching method and direct synthesis method. Meanwhile, the strategies for the insertion and layering of multilayer MXene and the synthesis process of MXene-based and MXene-derived photocatalysts are described. In addition, we present recent research on MXene-based and MXene-derived photocatalysts for environmental and energy applications, including water decomposition to release H2, CO2 reduction, nitrogen fixation, and other photocatalytic applications. Finally, challenges and perspectives for MXene research are presented. [Display omitted] •The preparation methods of MXene and its composite materials have been summarized.•The strategies for the insertion and layering of multilayer MXene are described.•The latest research, challenges, and prospects of MXene related photocatalysts are summarized and anticipated.