MXene‐Based Electrocatalysts for Sustainable Nitrogen Conversion: From Ammonia Oxidation to Nitrogen and Nitrate Reduction

ABSTRACT 2D transition‐metal carbides and nitrides, known as MXenes, have emerged as promising electrocatalysts for nitrogen‐related reactions, including ammonia oxidation (AOR), nitrogen reduction (NRR), and nitrate reduction (NO 3 RR). Their appeal stems from a layered architecture, abundant active sites, tunable surface chemistry, and high electrical conductivity. Key physicochemical properties—including controllable surface terminations (–O, –OH, –F), defect‐rich surfaces, and flexible electronic structures—facilitate intermediate adsorption and activation while enhancing charge‐transfer kinetics. Recent synthesis methods, such as HF etching and fluorine‐free Lewis acid approaches, enable precise control over functionalities that dictate catalytic performance. Furthermore, engineering strategies like heteroatom doping, defect engineering, and hybrid composite formation are explored to optimize activity, selectivity, and durability. Ti 3 C 2 T X remains the most extensively studied platform due to its versatility and performance. This review provides a comprehensive overview of advancements in MXene‐based catalysts for NO 3 RR, NRR, and AOR, highlighting the relationships between reaction mechanisms, electronic structures, and synthesis strategies. Finally, current challenges and future perspectives for the rational design of efficient, scalable, and sustainable MXene catalysts for nitrogen‐related energy applications are discussed.

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Publication Details

Journal
Advanced Materials Interfaces
Published
2026-10-14
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1002/admi.70704
Primary Topic
MXene and MAX Phase Materials
Type
article
Field-Weighted Citation Impact
0.00

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article

MXene‐Based Electrocatalysts for Sustainable Nitrogen Conversion: From Ammonia Oxidation to Nitrogen and Nitrate Reduction

Alaa M. Ibrahim, Soon Hyung Kang, Afaf Salah Eid
Advanced Materials Interfaces
MXene and MAX Phase Materials
article

MXene‐Based Electrocatalysts for Sustainable Nitrogen Conversion: From Ammonia Oxidation to Nitrogen and Nitrate Reduction

Alaa M. Ibrahim, Soon Hyung Kang, Afaf Salah Eid
article en

Abstract

ABSTRACT 2D transition‐metal carbides and nitrides, known as MXenes, have emerged as promising electrocatalysts for nitrogen‐related reactions, including ammonia oxidation (AOR), nitrogen reduction (NRR), and nitrate reduction (NO 3 RR). Their appeal stems from a layered architecture, abundant active sites, tunable surface chemistry, and high electrical conductivity. Key physicochemical properties—including controllable surface terminations (–O, –OH, –F), defect‐rich surfaces, and flexible electronic structures—facilitate intermediate adsorption and activation while enhancing charge‐transfer kinetics. Recent synthesis methods, such as HF etching and fluorine‐free Lewis acid approaches, enable precise control over functionalities that dictate catalytic performance. Furthermore, engineering strategies like heteroatom doping, defect engineering, and hybrid composite formation are explored to optimize activity, selectivity, and durability. Ti 3 C 2 T X remains the most extensively studied platform due to its versatility and performance. This review provides a comprehensive overview of advancements in MXene‐based catalysts for NO 3 RR, NRR, and AOR, highlighting the relationships between reaction mechanisms, electronic structures, and synthesis strategies. Finally, current challenges and future perspectives for the rational design of efficient, scalable, and sustainable MXene catalysts for nitrogen‐related energy applications are discussed.

Advanced Materials Interfaces
Chonnam National University (KR)
Korea Basic Science Institute
Affordable and clean energy
Openalex Percentile: Top 29%
MXene and MAX Phase Materials
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