Composites based on MXenes as highly efficient electrocatalysts for alkaline water splitting – PIXIES

The PRC-type ANR project PIXIES focuses on the synthesis and characterization of a new class of composite materials coupling the key properties required for Oxygen Evolution Reactions (OER) and Hydrogen Evolution Reaction (HER) in an alkaline electrolyser technology. They will consist of MXenes as highly conductive 2D materials to boost fast electron transport and a second phase synthesized in transition metal (Ni, Fe and/or Mo) boride, phosphide or silicide systems acting as an HER/OER active while providing stability toward MXene oxidation in OER and restocking. Such structures will be 3D printed - as an ultimate objective - into easy-to-handle and robust porous electrode. Thus, the project will cover the main features related to material design (Doping-functionalization), process (additive manufacturing), complete characterization and detailed electrocatalysis investigations based on the complementary expertise of 3 French institutes, institut de recherche sur les céramiques (IRCER, coordinator), laboratoire de chimie et de la matière condensée de Paris (LCMCP) et institut de chimie des milieux et matériaux de Poitiers (IC2MP).