MXene-Carbon Nanotube Composites: Properties and Applications

Abstract

Today, MXenes and their composites have shown attractive capabilities in numerous fields of electronics, co-catalysis/photocatalysis, sensing/imaging, batteries/supercapacitors, electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding, tissue engineering/regenerative medicine, drug delivery, cancer theranostics, and soft robotics. In this aspect, MXene-carbon nanotube (CNT) composites have been widely constructed with improved environmental stability, excellent electrical conductivity, and robust mechanical properties, providing great opportunities for designing modern and intelligent systems with diagnostic/therapeutic, electronic, and environmental applications. MXenes with unique architectures, large specific surface areas, ease of functionalization, and high electrical conductivity have been employed for hybridization with CNTs with superb heat conductivity, electrical conductivity, and fascinating mechanical features. However, most of the studies have centered around their electronic, EMI shielding, catalytic, and sensing applications; thus, the need for research on biomedical and diagnostic/therapeutic applications of these materials ought to be given more attention. The photothermal conversion efficiency, selectivity/sensitivity, environmental stability/recyclability, biocompatibility/toxicity, long-term biosafety, stimuli-responsiveness features, and clinical translation studies are among the most crucial research aspects that still need to be comprehensively investigated. Although limited explorations have focused on MXene-CNT composites, future studies should be planned on the optimization of reaction/synthesis conditions, surface functionalization, and toxicological evaluations. Herein, most recent advancements pertaining to the applications of MXene-CNT composites in sensing, catalysis, supercapacitors/batteries, EMI shielding, water treatment/pollutants removal are highlighted, focusing on current trends, challenges, and future outlooks.

In Situ Growth Engineering on 2D MXenes for Next‐Generation Rechargeable Batteries

“…[44] To date, MXene has been largely composited with other functional materials such as CNTs and CNFs to construct high-strength composite materials. [45,46]…”

MXene and their integrated composite-based acetone sensors for monitoring of diabetes

“…These composites were created through mechanical mixing, co-dispersion, self-assembly, electrophoretic deposition, in situ CNT growth on MXene by chemical vapor deposition, thermal processing, hydrothermal methods, and microwave-assisted synthesis. 125 Three-dimensional (3D) nano-fillers of MXene (Ti 3 C 2 T x )/CNTs have been synthesized with high stability and enhanced interfacial attachment between adjacent fiber yarns, as well as increased tensile and flexural strength, demonstrating excellent roughness on the surface and elasticity even after 18 weeks of immersion in alkali solutions. 126 4.3 Characterizations of MXene and its integrated composite 4.3.1 X-ray diffraction analysis.…”

Facile fabrication of PANI/g-C3N4/MXene composites as electrode materials for supercapacitors

“…[15][16][17][18] When used as electrode materials of SCs, the introduction of MXene into composites further enhances the conductivity of the composites and thus facilitates electron transfer. [19][20][21] For example, Wu et al found that ultrathin Ti 3 C 2 nanosheets can provide good mechanical stability, high conductivity and more active sites to the Ti 3 C 2 /PANI composite. 22 Zhang et al showed that Ti 3 C 2 T x /g-C 3 N 4 heterostructures display a specific capacitance of 414 F g À1 at 1 A g À1 .…”

“…23 Unfortunately, MXene often exhibits lower specific capacity in practical applications, which further limits the development of MXene-based composite materials. 21 Due to the excellent characteristics, MXene based composite electrode materials are still potential candidates for increasing the capacity storage capability at high current densities.…”