Investigation of the Pt/Ti₃C₂T_x Nanocomposite Prepared by γ-Radiolysis: Uncovering the Strong Metal–Support Interaction (SMSI) toward Multifunctional Electrocatalysis

Abstract

MXenes have gained significant attention as layered two-dimensional (2D) materials by virtue of their favorable electrical conductivity and tunable surface properties. Herein, γradiolytic synthesis was carried out for the development of the Pt/ Ti 3 C 2 T x electrocatalyst via in situ generated reducing agents. Its characterization by X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS) indicated strong metal−support interaction (SMSI) of Pt with Ti 3 C 2 T x , which is pivotal for enhancing stability and facilitating electron transfer in electrochemical reactions. Using various electrochemical techniques, we studied the performance of the catalyst toward the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR), oxygen evolution reaction (OER), methanol oxidation reaction (MOR), and hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). With an optimum Pt loading of 35 μg Pt /cm 2 , Pt/Ti 3 C 2 T x revealed a lower onset potential of 0.925 V and a mass activity of 0.09 mA/μg Pt for ORR. The MOR performance was assessed by its increased mass activity of 1343.11 mA/mg Pt and a CO tolerance of 1.29. Additionally, Pt/Ti 3 C 2 T x required only meager overpotentials of 65 and 650 mV for HER and OER, respectively, and hence has the potential to substitute Cbased electrocatalysts. All of the studies were carried out against the state-of-the-art catalyst Pt/C. The superior performance of Pt/ Ti 3 C 2 T x can be rightfully attributed to the SMSI effect, which can be duly utilized for the achievement of better results in electrochemistry.

Pt Nanoclusters Supported on Ti3C2Tx Nanosheets for the Selective Hydrogenation of Halogenated Nitroarenes under Mild Conditions

“…Note that, with the addition of Pt, the (002) diffraction peak also exhibited a movement to a lower angle. In addition, these peaks of Ti 3 C 2 T x were broadened, indicating the loss of crystallinity . In addition, as the Pt content increased, the (002) diffraction peak was shifted to a lower angle as well (Figure S1).…”

“…Ti 3 C 2 T x (T = OH, F) is a member of the MXenes (M n +1 X n T x ) family, which has a unique graphene-like two-dimensional (2D) layered structure . It exhibits the advantage of superior chemical affinity, excellent stability, and high charge transfer efficiency that can be employed as a potential application in energy storage, catalysis, biomedicine, etc. − Importantly, the abundant surface functional groups (such as −OH, −F) generated from the Ti 3 C 2 T x preparation process are beneficial to promote the strong binding and high dispersion of metal on Ti 3 C 2 T x support . Therefore, the robust 2D MXene material, Ti 3 C 2 T x , is regarded as an ideal support for avoiding agglomeration, Oswald ripening, and metal leaching .…”