Progress in 2D MXenes: Synthesis, Structural Properties, and Technological Applications

Materials research and technology now have promising opportunities, thanks to the recent chemical exfoliation of layered MAX phase compounds to unique two-dimensional transition metal carbides and nitrides, or “MXenes.” To take advantage of the unique and remarkable features of this highly promising family of 2D materials for electrical and energy harvesting applications, this review highlights the efforts that have been undertaken to comprehend their physics and chemistry, emphasizing their unique layered structure and surface functionalization-based tunable characteristics. With advantages over conventional 2D materials regarding the properties such as conductivity, surface area, chemical stability, ease of production, compatibility, and biocompatibility, MXenes hold great potential for improving the functionality, robustness, and adaptability of Internet of Things (IoT) devices and artificial intelligence. The present review provides an in-depth overview of the various synthesis techniques for each type of MXene, their unique properties, and how they can be used in various application ranges. This review significantly summarizes past studies and updates thoroughly and presents the future scopes and challenges prevailing. The distinctiveness proposed in this perspective is found in its comprehensive approach, which highlights the enormous potential of MXenes for a variety of applications in sensors, energy storage, batteries, wastewater treatment, supercapacitors, and other fields.