Recent advances of MXenes in the photocatalytic pollutant degradations for environmental applications: A mini review

MXenes have been extensively investigated in photocatalysis attributed to the intrinsic structural and physicochemical superiorities, including high specific surface area, metallically conductivity, and light-harvesting capability, with versatile transition metal and surface chemistries, etc. In this review, we aim to summarize the latest research progress of MXenes in photocatalytic degradations. We firstly introduce the properties of MXenes, mainly those favor photocatalytic behavior. The focus then turns to various types of MXenes and their derivatives-based photocatalysts according to the roles and actual chemical components (MXenes or their derivatives) of MXenes in photocatalytic degradations for water remediation. The corresponding theoretical calculations were outlined, principally the enhancement mechanism of photocatalytic performances by introducing MXenes. Finally, the current challenges and prospects for MXenes in the booming photocatalytic degradations field are proposed to provide perspectives for further research of photocatalysis.