MXene-Based Photocatalysts

High on the list of critically important environmental technologies likely to play an increasing leadership role in coming decades are photocatalytic processes for energy conversion driven by MXene-based photocatalysts. Synthesized for the very first time in 2011, these novel, next-generation transition metal carbides and nitrides offer attractive new alternative pathways to high-value materials chemistries realized from water-splitting, carbon dioxide reduction, lithium-ion batteries, solar energy manufacturing—and the list could go on. Drawing contributions from Asian constituencies in China and Malaysia, editors Qin, Su (both, Guangxi Univ.), and Ji (Sun Yat-sen Univ.) offer a notable monograph beginning with a two-page introduction useful for a broader audience. Specialized chapters outlining preparatory methods, morphology, and microstructure of MXene-based photocatalysts and characteristic properties of MXene itself and MXene-facilitated photocatalysis follow. Concluding chapters deal more extensively with various industrial fabrication methods and applications. Each chapter is well documented with references current to 2021. Illustrations, mainly in black-and-white, are typically small and often hard to read but suitable and helpful. This is important stuff and well researched. Advanced undergraduates and professionals working in the field will be pleased to have access to this volume—as was this reviewer.

Summing Up: Highly recommended. Upper-division undergraduates. Graduate students, faculty, and professionals. Students in two-year technical programs.

–L. W. Fine, Columbia University, CHOICE, May 2023

High on the list of critically important environmental technologies likely to play an increasing leadership role in coming decades are photocatalytic processes for energy conversion driven by MXene-based photocatalysts. Synthesized for the very first time in 2011, these novel, next-generation transition metal carbides and nitrides offer attractive new alternative pathways to high-value materials chemistries realized from water-splitting, carbon dioxide reduction, lithium-ion batteries, solar energy manufacturing—and the list could go on. Drawing contributions from Asian constituencies in China and Malaysia, editors Qin, Su (both, Guangxi Univ.), and Ji (Sun Yat-sen Univ.) offer a notable monograph beginning with a two-page introduction useful for a broader audience. Specialized chapters outlining preparatory methods, morphology, and microstructure of MXene-based photocatalysts and characteristic properties of MXene itself and MXene-facilitated photocatalysis follow. Concluding chapters deal more extensively with various industrial fabrication methods and applications. Each chapter is well documented with references current to 2021. Illustrations, mainly in black-and-white, are typically small and often hard to read but suitable and helpful. This is important stuff and well researched. Advanced undergraduates and professionals working in the field will be pleased to have access to this volume—as was this reviewer.

Summing Up: Highly recommended. Upper-division undergraduates. Graduate students, faculty, and professionals. Students in two-year technical programs.

–L. W. Fine, Columbia University, CHOICE, May 2023