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MXenes are a new family of 2D carbides or nitrides that have attracted attention due to their layered structure, tunable surface groups and high electrical conductivity. Here, we report for the first time that the Ti2CTx MXene catalyses the selective oxidative dehydrogenation of n‐butane to butenes and 1,3‐butadiene. This catalyst showed higher intrinsic activity compared to a commercial TiC and TiO2 samples in terms of C4 olefin formation rate. We propose that the stabilisation of structural vacancies and the change in composition (from a carbide to a mixed phase oxide) in the MXene causes its higher catalytic activity. These vacancies can lead to a higher concentration of unpaired electrons in the MXene‐derived material, enhancing its nucleophilic properties and favouring the production of olefins. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As the most studied two-dimensional (2D) material from the MXene family, Ti 3 C 2 T x has constantly gained interest from academia and industry. Ti 3 C 2 T x MXene has the highest electrical conductivity (up to 24,000 S cm -1 ) and one of the highest stiffness values with a Young's modulus of ∼ 334 GPa among water-dispersible conductive 2D materials. The negative surface charge of MXene helps to disperse it well in aqueous and other polar solvents. This solubility across a wide range of solvents, excellent interface interaction, tunable surface functionality, and stability with other organic/polymeric materials combined with the layered structure of Ti 3 C 2 T x MXene make it a promising material for anticorrosion coatings. While there are many reviews on Ti 3 C 2 T x MXene polymer composites for catalysis, flexible electronics, and energy storage, to our knowledge, no review has been published yet on MXenes' anticorrosion applications. In this brief report, we summarize the current progress and the development of Ti 3 C 2 T x polymer composites for anticorrosion. We also provide an outlook and discussion on possible ways to improve the exploitation of Ti 3 C 2 T x polymer composites as anticorrosive materials. Finally, we provide a perspective beyond Ti 3 C 2 T x MXene composition for the development of future anticorrosion coatings.

Dehydrogenation or oxidative dehydrogenation (ODH) of alkanes to produce alkenes directly from natural gas/shale gas is gaining in importance. Ti 3 AlC 2 , a MAX phase, which hitherto had not been used in catalysis, efficiently catalyzes the ODH of n-butane to butenes and butadiene, which are important intermediates for the synthesis of polymers and other compounds. The catalyst, which combines both metallic and ceramic properties, is stable for at least 30 h on stream, even at low O 2 :butane ratios, without suffering from coking. This material has neither lattice oxygens nor noble metals, yet a unique combination of numerous defects and a thin surface Ti 1-y Al y O 2-y/2 layer that is rich in oxygen vacancies makes it an active catalyst. Given the large number of compositions available, MAX phases may find applications in several heterogeneously catalyzed reactions., (© 2017 The Authors. Published by Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA.)