A perspective on MXenes: Their synthesis, properties, and recent applications

Abstract

Since 2011, after the discovery of new ceramic two-dimensional materials called MXenes, the attention has been focused on their unique properties and various applications, from energy storage to nanomedicine. We present a brief perspective article of the properties of MXenes, alongside the most recent studies regarding their applications on energy, environment, wireless communications, and biotechnology. Future needs regarding the current knowledge about MXenes are also discussed in order to fully understand their nature and overcome the challenges that have restricted their use.

MXene (Ti3C2Tx)-Embedded Nanocomposite Hydrogels for Biomedical Applications: A Review

“…The phases have a hexagonal structure (space group P63/mmc) with intercalated layers “M” and “A.” The “X” atoms fill the octahedral spaces left by the “M” elements. There are around 70 recognized MAX phases (such as Ti 2 A l C and Ti 3 A l C 2 ), and new ones (such as the quaternary ordered MAX phases) and comparable materials, namely the “MAB phases”, are continually being found [ 26 ].…”

“…The effect of the synthesis pathway is discussed first to describe MXenes’ structure and stability, followed by a description of their electronic structures, the highly relevant electrical, mechanical, thermal and magnetic properties, and some of the most promising applications, such as energy-linked, biomedical electronic and composite fortifications [ 24 , 25 ]. Finally, based on the existing challenges [ 26 ], an imminent inquiry perspective is proposed, with the claim that future theoretical and experimental studies will use this study as a useful reference to deliberate, compare and enhance the MXene-based knowledge [ 27 ].…”

Synthesis, phase purification and magnetic characterization of the (Cr1−x, Mnx)2AlC MAX-phase

“…One of the goals of MAX-phase doping is the synthesis of stable magnetic MAX-phases to expand their usage towards spintronics, functional oxidation resistant and wear resistant magnetic coatings 13 or even more intriguing as a precursor for the synthesis of magnetic MXenes. 14,15 Among the ternary MAX-phases, only Mn 2 GaC shows long-range magnetic ordering up to now. [16][17][18] This material has a first order magnetic phase transition at about 210 K from an antiferromagnetic (AFM) at higher temperatures to the non-collinear AFM spin state and a high Ne ´el temperature of 507 K. 17 The potential to tune such magnetic transitions in quaternary MAX-phases by doping with a 4th element is one of the main ideas underlying the search of magnetism in such systems.…”

“…MAX phases are the family of nano-lamellar compounds sharing the chemical formula M n+1 AX n , where M is an early transition metal, A is a main group element (mostly of groups [13][14][15] and X is either C or N. 1 The MAX phases (Ti 2 SC and Zr 2 SC) were initially demonstrated by Kudielka and Rohde 2 and further synthesized by Jeitschko and Nowotny 3 in the 1960s, however attracted more attention in the 2000s, after the pioneering work of Barsoum and coworkers. 1 MAX phases combine the characteristic properties of both, metals and ceramics; MAX-phases are highly electrically and thermally conductive, elastically stiff and machinable like metals.…”

Impact of synthesis conditions on the morphology and crystal structure of tungsten nitride nanomaterials

“…Similarly, various 2D MXene materials are being investigated as catalyst replacements in these electrochemical reactions. 29,30 However, their low structural stability and the use of toxic HF in the synthesis can be seen as disadvantageous for realistic commercial production compared to WN x nanomaterials. 30 Another interesting application of nanostructured WN x with a nanosheet morphology could be as nanofillers in polymer-based nanocomposites, where the good electrical conductivity of WN x can be used to improve the material properties of the whole composite material.…”