The unique combination
of high electronic conductivity, surface
area, and tunability in MXenes makes them ideal electrocatalysts for
the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) and oxygen reduction reaction
(ORR); however, existing literature predominantly focuses on their
electrocatalytic performance as opposed to their long-term electrocatalytic
stability, such as how nitride MXene HER or ORR activity varies over
time. A key experiment to understanding the stability is evaluating
the overpotential, Tafel slope, and exchange current density of the
MXene after prolonged immersion in solvents typically used for MXene
storage. Herein, we investigate the electrocatalytic behavior of a
nanolayered Ti4N3T
x
nitride MXene toward HER and ORR after a period of 230 days in various
solvents, including water, ethanol, N–N dimethylformamide (DMF),
dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), acetonitrile, and hexane. Specifically,
we evaluate the overpotential, Tafel slope, and limiting current density
after the 230 day period as metrics of the material stability and
degradation. Remarkably, the HER activity of the nanolayered Ti4N3T
x
MXene remains
unaltered after 230 days of immersion, with consistent overpotential
and Tafel slope values, regardless of the solvent. We observe a minimal
amount of TiO2 formation, as suggested by Raman spectroscopy
and scanning electron microscopy imaging. However, for ORR, the overpotential,
Tafel slope, and limiting current density change after the immersion
time. Additionally, in all the solvents, the number of electrons transferred
per molecule of product shifts from 4 to 2, indicating a mechanistic
change. These findings suggest that the effect of immersion solvent
on MXene electrocatalysis is correlated with the type of reaction
and is likely a strong function of the terminal group. In summary,
these findings can be exploited to establish MXene-solvent electrocatalytic
relationships to broaden their utilization in electrocatalysis and
facilitate their integration in solvent-based applications.