MXenes, carbon and transition metal-based flaky structures, are proving to be promising catalyst materials for revolutionizing green hydrogen production. The study led by HZB chemist Michelle Browne highlights the potential of MXenes in enhancing the oxygen evolution reaction, a key process in green hydrogen production via electrolysis using renewable energy sources. By hosting catalytically active particles, MXenes demonstrate improved efficiency in splitting water into hydrogen and oxygen. The research, published in Advanced Functional Materials, showcases the successful embedding of CoFe catalyst particles into MXenes, leading to a significant enhancement in catalytic activity. The study, conducted by an international team, emphasizes the importance of using readily available elements for catalyst production to ensure cost-effectiveness in green hydrogen generation. The results indicate that MXenes, particularly when combined with CoFe catalysts in vanadium vacancy-rich structures, exhibit superior catalytic performance, offering a promising solution for industrial applications. The research not only sheds light on the complex interplay between carrier structures and catalytically active particles but also underlines the potential of MXenes as a carrier material for developing innovative and inexpensive catalysts essential for scaling up green hydrogen production.