A critical review on two-dimensional Ti3C2Tx MXenes for anti-corrosion coatings

Abstract

Advancements in nanoscience paved the way to synthesise ultrathin nanomaterials with extra-ordinary properties when compared to their bulk counterpart. Two-dimensional (2D) materials such as graphene, transition metal chalcogenides, phosphorene, MXenes and so forth have attracted great scientific attention due to their unique properties such as large surface area to volume ratio, tunability in their surface chemistry, good electronic conductivity, excellent chemical and electrochemical stability, to name a few. Among the family of 2D materials, the emerging MXenes are receiving significant popularity due to their peculiar characteristics such as ultrathin structure, good conductivity, surface functional tunability and so forth. Titanium (Ti)-based MXenes are the mostly explored MXenes. They exhibit attractive properties make them suitable for applications in different area such as electrochemical energy storage, catalysis, biomedicine, sensors, anti-corrosion coating and so forth. Large specific surface area and availability of different surface terminal groups envisages them using in anti-corrosion coatings. A comprehensive review on the application of Ti3C2Tx MXenes in anti-corrosion coatings is lacking in the literature and this motivated us to write this review. This review focuses on the potential application of Ti3C2Tx MXenes, particularly for the anti-corrosion coating applications. In co-operating surface functionalized Ti3C2Tx and forming hybrids with MXenes are proved to enhance the anticorrosion properties of currently existing coatings. This review includes the various synthesis strategies and modifications of Ti3C2Tx for the anticorrosion applications. The major challenges and future perspectives of Ti3C2Tx MXenes in anti-corrosion coatings are also discussed.