2D MXene: From Synthesis to Storage - Exploring their Potential as Sparking Materials for Hydrogen Storage

In the advancing landscape of sustainable energy, the development of efficient and reversible hydrogen storage materials operable under ambient conditions remains a critical challenge for material scientists and the broader research community. Hydrogen, owing to its exceptionally high energy density, is regarded as a leading candidate for facilitating the transition from conventional fossil fuels to cleaner, renewable energy systems. However, alongside its production, the safe and efficient storage of hydrogen presents a significant bottleneck due to its low volumetric density and associated safety concerns.
Conventional storage techniques such as high-pressure compression and cryogenic liquefaction, though widely used, demand complex infrastructure and carry substantial safety risks. These limitations have steered growing interest toward solid-state hydrogen storage systems that rely on physisorption or chemisorption mechanisms, preferably operating near ambient conditions. Consequently, the pursuit of materials with favourable thermodynamics and kinetics for reversible hydrogen uptake and release has become imperative. Among the emerging candidates, MXenes, a class of two-dimensional (2D) materials comprising transition metal carbides, nitrides, or carbonitrides have garnered significant attention due to their high surface area, tuneable surface chemistry, and excellent conductivity.
Despite the growing body of literature on hydrogen storage using MXenes, a comprehensive evaluation that bridges the gap between theoretical predictions and experimental realities remains limited. This review addresses that gap by critically examining current strategies for solid-state hydrogen storage, with a particular emphasis on MXene-based materials. It highlights the influence of synthesis techniques on structural properties, discusses the mechanisms of hydrogen interaction with MXene surfaces, and evaluates their practical implications in real-world applications. While the potential of MXenes in hydrogen storage is considerable, it is not yet fully realized. This article provides an in-depth assessment of the current advancements, challenges, and future directions for MXene-based materials in the context of hydrogen storage, offering valuable insights for both fundamental research and applied energy systems.