Recent progress in MXene fiber: Materials, fabrication techniques, and potential applications

Abstract

MXene fibers represent a novel category of one-dimensional materials distinguished by the orderly alignment of MXene nanosheets along the fiber axis. These fibers not only feature outstanding conductivity, abundant functional groups, and a large specific surface area inherent to MXene but also demonstrate exceptional flexibility and mechanical properties typical of fibers. As a result, they exhibit significant potential for applications in flexible electronics and wearable devices. This review aims to present a current and comprehensive overview of recent progress in the preparation, properties, and applications of MXene fibers. Firstly, we summarize various key techniques for manufacturing MXene fibers, with a specific focus on the wet spinning method. In this context, we examine the impact of factors, such as the MXene liquid crystal phase, composition of the coagulation bath, post-treatment processes, and morphological structure, on fiber characteristics. Then, we systematically evaluate the use of MXene fibers in wearable devices, encompassing supercapacitors, sensors, and electromagnetic interference shielding. Lastly, we delineate the significant scientific and industrial challenges encountered by MXene fibers while outlining their future developmental prospects.