Abstract
A new class of two-dimensional nanomaterials, MXenes, which are carbides/nitrides/carbonitrides of transition and refractory metals, has been critically analyzed. Since the synthesis of the first family member in 2011 by Yury Gogotsi and colleagues, MXenes have quickly become attractive for a variety of research fields due to their exceptional properties. Despite the fact that this new family of 2D materials was discovered only about ten years ago, the number of scientific publications related to MXene almost doubles every year. Thus, in 2021 alone, more than 2000 papers are expected to be published, which indicates the relevance and prospects of MXenes. The current paper critically analyzes the structural features, properties, and methods of synthesis of MXenes based on recent available research data. We demonstrate the recent trends of MXene applications in various fields, such as environmental pollution removal and water desalination, energy storage and harvesting, quantum dots, sensors, electrodes, and optical devices. We focus on the most important medical applications: photo-thermal cancer therapy, diagnostics, and antibacterial treatment. The first results on obtaining and studying the structure of high-entropy MXenes are also presented.
Highlights
Studies of nanolayer two-dimensional materials date back to the 1950s [1,2]
The difference between the structures of the TixTa(4−x)AlC3 MAX phase and the TixTa(4−x)C3 MXene obtained using 40% solution of hydrofluoric acid is shown in Figure 11 [64]
These properties make MXenes ideally suited in areas such as electromagnetic shielding interference, wireless communication, chemical sensors, energy storage systems, optoelectronics, catalysis, and flexible electronics
Summary
Studies of nanolayer two-dimensional materials date back to the 1950s [1,2]. Due to the discovery of graphene, it attracted the attention of many researchers for their methods of preparation, properties, and possible applications. To synthesize MXenes, MAX phases are used as the main precursor material Their generalized formula is Mn+1AXn, where M is an early transition metal, A is any element from IIIA or IVA (13–14) groups, X is carbon or nitrogen, but the combinations with the formation of carbonitride are possible, and n = 1 − 4 [19]. The preceding Mn+1AXn phases have a hexagonal structure (P63/mmc symmetry) In their simplest units, two constituent structural entities can be distinguished: octahedral "M6X" units with common edges, identical to the cubic face-centered lattice of NaCl of the type of binary nitrides or carbides, as well as the layers of the A element located between them. The MXene layers obtained by etching the A element form various surface functional groups depending on the substance with which they react Such reactions make it possible to control their physicochemical properties. We will describe a number of useful applications of layered transition metal carbides in imaging and treatment of tumors, purification and desalination of water, as well as multifunctional smart textiles
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
