Robust Ti─N Interface in MXene‐C 2 N Heterostructures for Ultra‐Durable Acidic Hydrogen Evolution

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Authors: Mousumi Garai, Jayaraman Balamurugan, Zakir Ullah, Manmatha Mahato, Geetha Valurouthu, Jawon Ha, Sujin Cha, Habib Ullah, Hyunjoon Yoo, Akash Deo, Yury Gogotsi, Sang Ouk Kim
+1 more Il‐Kwon Oh
Cited by: 6
References: 50

Abstract

ABSTRACT Durable, cost‐effective hydrogen evolution in acidic media requires electrocatalysts that can rival platinum in catalytic activity and stability. We report atomically engineered Ti 3 C 2 T x @C 2 N heterostructure exploiting robust Ti–N interfacial bonding and electronic coupling to deliver platinum‐like performance without noble metals. The hybrid catalyst exhibits ultralow overpotential of 42 mV at 10 mA cm −2 and Tafel slope of 36 mV dec −1 , approaching commercial Pt/C benchmarks. More importantly, it maintains stable operation over 550 h at 100 mA cm −2 in corrosive acidic medium, far surpassing Pt/C. Structural analyses and density functional theory reveal that Ti─N interface optimizes hydrogen adsorption free energy and lowers the kinetic barrier for O─H bond cleavage, while the porous C 2 N scaffold enhances charge transport and active site accessibility. This synergistic structural and electronic design establishes a generalizable strategy for robust heterostructures, advancing scalable platinum‐free electrocatalysts for next‐generation proton exchange membrane electrolyzers and other energy conversion technologies.

Fields of Study & Subjects

Electrocatalysts for Energy Conversion Ammonia Synthesis and Nitrogen Reduction MXene and MAX Phase Materials

Publication details

Journal / source
Advanced Functional Materials
Publisher
Wiley
Volume
36
Issue
37
Publication date
12 February 2026
Language
EN