Recent Escalations in MXenes: From Fundamental to Applications

Abstract

Enormous efforts have been devoted towards the development of various advanced materials with long cycle life, high power density and high energy density for energy storage and conversion applications. From the discovery of MXene, the family of two-dimensional (2D) transition metal nitrides, carbides and carbonitrides has attained significant research focus due to their outstanding properties. MXene has drawn significant attention because they have tunable layered structures, controllable interfacial chemistry, high mechanical strength, excellent electronic conductivity, superior specific surface area, magnetic properties, hydrophilic features, multiple possible surface terminations and the ability to accommodate intercalates. In this chapter, we reported the synthesis techniques and properties of MXene and MXene-based hybrid materials and their potential applications. The MXene has been synthesized by various routes such as chemical vapor deposition (CVD), sputtering, pulse laser plasma deposition and etching techniques. Generally, etching technique has been used for the synthesis of MXene. Different etchants have been used for the synthesis of MXene such as hydrofluoric acid, lithium fluoride, hydrochloric acid, ammonium hydrazine, etc. After etching, the surface termination groups such as –F, –OH and–O presents on the MXene influence their properties. The surface termination groups on 2D MXene have been significantly used in various applications such as rechargeable batteries, supercapacitors, electromagnetic interference shielding, sensors and so on. In summary, a widespread overview of the synthesis of MXene with the current challenges and encouraging technologies for the preparation of large scale MXene and its usefulness in several applications are provided.