Recent advances in MXenes-based photocatalysts for CO₂ reduction: A review on fundamentals and future directions

CO₂ photoreduction is a sustainable strategy for converting CO₂ into high-value solar fuels. However, its complex reaction pathways, kinetics, and thermodynamic challenges limit its application. MXenes, as an emerging two-dimensional material, have become a focus in photocatalysis due to their unique structural characteristics and highly tunable electrical and optical properties. As for the MXenes-based photocatalysts towards CO₂ reduction, there have been significant advances achieved in this field. This review starts from the introduction of the key thermodynamic and kinetic factors limiting CO₂ photoreduction performance. The structural, electronic and optical properties of MXenes will be discussed to highlight their potential applications in CO₂ photoreduction. Then, the latest research progress in MXenes-based photocatalysts for CO₂ reduction will be summarized from the perspective of the role of MXenes in MXenes-based photocatalysts. Finally, the review concludes with a summary and future perspectives, outlining potential research directions in this rapidly evolving field. This work can serve as a guide for the development of MXenes-based catalysts for photocatalytic CO₂ reduction, benefiting researchers working in this potentially game-changing field.