MAX and MXenes-based systems as catalysts for reforming processes

Abstract

In response to the ever-growing global energy demand, there is an urgent need to explore and develop new technologies that can facilitate the transition towards greener and more sustainable energy sources. Hydrogen has emerged as one of the most promising energy carriers to replace fossil fuel-based systems. However, its production predominantly relies on natural gas, with steam reforming being the most widely used process for generating synthesis gas—a mixture of hydrogen and carbon monoxide. Emerging technologies such as dry reforming offer significant environmental benefits by converting two of the most harmful greenhouse gases, methane and carbon dioxide, into hydrogen, thereby gaining considerable attention in recent years. The catalysts used in these processes are typically composed of noble metals like rhodium or platinum, as well as non-noble metals such as nickel or cobalt, due to their intrinsic advantages. Nevertheless, this technology faces several challenges related to the performance of these catalysts, which often suffer from deactivation issues, leading to additional costs for their replacement. Consequently, extensive research efforts are underway to identify new catalysts that are active, stable, and economically viable. In this regard, the recently discovered MXenes and their MAX phase precursors show significant promise for scaling up hydrogen production due to their unique properties and two-dimensional layered structures. This project aims to conduct a comprehensive review of the current state of the art in this field by analysing the published scientific literature. The investigation will focus on the ways MXenes and MAX phases could improve conventional reforming catalysts, leading to a more competitive and sustainable hydrogen production