Global research trends and knowledge mapping of MXene–biochar hybrid catalysts for visible-light dye degradation: A bibliometric analysis

MXene-biochar hybrid materials have become a revolutionary category of sustainable nanomaterials with an outstanding capability of photocatalytic dye degradation and wastewater treatment. The current study instigates an intensive bibliometric analysis of the global research trends in the method of MXene-biochar hybrid catalysts from 2018 to 2026 based on the data gathered in the Scopus database. Analysis of a select subset of 1818 publications with the help of VOS viewer, Biblioshiny (RStudio) and MS Excel was employed in mapping publication development, productivity in different countries, institutional performance, key authors, as well as thematic development. Findings indicate that total publications began exponentially after 2020, with China taking the lead in total publications (7476 by 2026), followed by the United States and India, which is a characteristic of the prevalence of the topic of sustainable photocatalysis in Asia. The Journal of Environmental Chemical Engineering, the Chemical Engineering Journal, and Separation and Purification Technology were taken as the best sources of publication. Author keyword analysis revealed that the most common words are photocatalysis, photocatalytic activity, and wastewater treatment, and such trending topics as heterojunctions, bioremediation, and performance signify the transition to performance optimisation and environmental uses. It is reported that highly cited papers, such as Khan (2022, Water) or Wang (2022, Chin. J. Catal.), are defining studies of the field. Hunan University and Guangxi University were the most productive research centres in institutional analysis. On the whole, this bibliographic mapping will be of great value in understanding the intellectual frameworks, collaboration processes, and new horizons of research of MXene-biochar hybrid catalysts and inform future innovation in green nanotechnology and environmental sustainability.