Recent progress in two-dimensional MXenes for the electrocatalytic reduction of CO₂: A review

Abstract

Electrochemical CO₂ reduction reaction has emerged as a promising strategy for converting carbon dioxide into value-added fuels and chemicals under mild conditions, offering a potential pathway toward carbon neutrality when coupled with renewable electricity. Among various catalyst candidates, MXenes, have attracted increasing atten-tion due to their high electrical conductivity, tunable surface terminations, large specific surface area, and structural versatility. These characteristics make MXenes particularly attractive for regulating reaction intermediates and enhancing charge transfer during CO2RR.This review systematically summarizes recent advances in MXene-based elec-trocatalysts for CO₂RR, with a focus on the structure–activity–energy efficiency rela-tionships. We first introduce the fundamental reaction mechanisms of CO₂RR. Subse-quently, various synthesis strategies, are critically reviewed in terms of their impact on surface terminations, stability, and scalability. Furthermore, modification strategies in-cluding heteroatom doping, defect engineering, and interface construction. Finally, cur-rent challenges and future opportunities for MXene-based CO₂RR cata lysts are outlined. This review aims to provide insights for the rational design of MXene-based electrocata-lysts.