MXene-based nanocomposites for nanofluidic energy conversion: A review

MXenes, a novel group of two-dimensional (2D) materials, have garnered significant attention due to their unique properties, including exceptional mechanical strength and electrical and thermal conductivity. During their synthesis, MXene nanosheets are functionalized with negatively charged terminal groups such as =O, –OH, and –F, which enhance their dispersibility in both water and various organic solvents. Thanks to these characteristics, MXenes have been widely investigated and they demonstrated superior performance in batteries, supercapacitors, membrane separation and electromagnetic interference shielding. More recently, MXenes also attracted much attention in nanofluidic energy conversion from renewable energy sources, such as mechanical force, osmotic energy, solar energy and so on. MXene-based nanocomposites, boasting diverse structures and enhanced properties, show great potential for nanofluidic energy harvesting. Therefore, there is an urgent need for a review to recap recent developments in MXene nanocomposites for nanofluidic energy harvesting. This review will focus on the development of 2D MXene-based nanocomposites for nanofluidic ion transport and energy conversion. Firstly, the fundamental physicochemical properties and synthesis of MXenes will be presented. Furthermore, this review will provide an overview of the design of MXene nanocomposites and their various applications. Finally, this review will explore the promising potential and challenges of MXene-based nanocomposites in nanofluidic energy harvesting.