MXene-based single-atom catalysts: Synergistic interfaces and rational design for CO₂ electrocatalytic reduction

The electrochemical CO₂ reduction reaction (CO₂RR) represents a pivotal strategy for climate change mitigation and carbon neutrality by converting CO₂ into value-added chemicals under mild conditions. MXene-based single-atom catalysts (SACs) have emerged as promising systems for CO₂RR, synergistically integrating MXene’s tunable two-dimensional (2D) architecture with atomic dispersion of active sites to achieve exceptional activity, selectivity, and stability. Thus, a timely review of the recent advances is necessary to inspire further research. This review systematically summarizes the anchoring mechanisms of single atoms on MXene substrates, focusing on the principal products generated by MXene-based single-atom catalysts in CO₂ reduction reactions and the critical factors governing product selectivity. This review outlines the main strategies for optimizing MXene to enhance the performance of MXene-based SACs. Finally, conclusions and perspectives about MXene-based SACs for CO₂RR are presented. This review underscores the potential of MXene-based SACs and provides a roadmap for their future development, aiming to bridge the gap between fundamental research and industrial application in CO₂RR technologies.