Physchem.cz

This PhD research aims at the development of novel hybrid catalysts for hydrogen production through photo-electrochemical (PEC) water splitting, emphasizing innovative, cost-effective materials and novel composite architectures. The work will focus on exploring MXenes (2D transition metal carbides/nitrides) as non-precious metal co-catalysts in combination with photoactive materials like MOFs and perovskites. MXenes exhibit exceptional properties, including high electrical conductivity, rich surface chemistry, and tunable electronic structures, making them ideal for improving charge separation, minimizing electron-hole recombination, and serving as robust supports for catalytic nanoparticles. The project will investigate the synergistic effects of MXene-based composites. The PhD work includes the synthesis, modification, and detailed characterization of MXenes
using techniques such as X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) among others. The MXenes will be combined with other photoactive materials, requiring interface engineering, followed by comprehensive electrochemical characterization. The prepared hybrid materials will be tested for hydrogen production under photoelectrochemical conditions. This research will contribute to the development of stable, reactive, and environmentally friendly PEC systems for sustainable hydrogen production. The research will be supported by the
international M-ERA.NET project HYDRAGON (2025–2028).

Relevant publications:
Recent advancement in MXene based heterojunctions toward CO₂ photo-reduction and H₂ production applications: A review; FlatChem 44 (2024) 100620
MXene-based hybrid materials for electrochemical and photoelectrochemical H₂ generation; Journal of Energy Chemistry 93 (2024) 111–125