Rise of MXenes: A New Family of Two-Dimensional (2D) Materials and Devices

A special issue of Micromachines (ISSN 2072-666X). This special issue belongs to the section "D:Materials and Processing".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (30 December 2023) | Viewed by 22223

Special Issue Editor

Department of Physics, Chemistry and Biology (IFM), Linkoping University (LIU), 58183 Linköping, Sweden
Interests: two-dimensional (2D) materials; next-generation electronic material and devices; energy conversion by exploiting the novel 2D materials; Van der Waals (vdW) heterostructures; molecular electronics; Graphene Quantum Dots (GQDs); sensors; piezoelectric and thermoelectric systems; spintronic material and devices; valleytronics

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Since their discovery in 2011, two-dimensional (2D) MXenes have emerged as a new class of 2D materials with tremendous potential in next-generation electronics and energy conversion devices. MXenes are chemically expressed by the generic formula Mn+1XnTx (= 1, 2, or 3; M = transition-metal atoms, e.g., Ti, Nb, Mo, etc.; X = C and/or N; T = surface functional groups, e.g., -OH, -F, -O, S, Se, Te, etc.) Two-dimensional MXenes (e.g., Ti3C2Tx) are synthesized from parent 3D transition-metal ternary carbides or nitrides, known as MAX phases (Ti3AlC2), where the A-group elements are removed through selective etching methods followed by surface functionalization with Tx. Various surface terminations of MXene brings increasing structural diversity within the family, thereby enabling greater tunable physical properties. Though a large subset of 2D MXenes are mainly found to be metallic conductors, interestingly, a few of them have shown semiconducting, semi-metallic, superconducting, and dielectric properties that are useful for building various electronic devices ranging from transistors to sensors. Moreover, the surface terminal groups on MXene surfaces make them ideal for electro-chemical energy storage applications, such as in batteries and supercapacitors, as well as the electrocatalysis of water (H2O) and carbon dioxide (CO2) to produce useful clean fuel. In this Special Issue, we are inviting original research reports, reviews, short summaries, and communications from researchers who are currently exploring these novel MXene materials and exploiting their related exciting physical properties to share with the broader scientific community.

We look forward to receiving your exciting reports on MXenes!

Dr. Nityasagar Jena
Guest Editor

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Keywords

  • two-dimensional (2D) materials
  • MXenes
  • electronics
  • energy conversion
  • surface termination
  • transistors
  • catalysis
  • supercapacitors

Published Papers (7 papers)

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Research

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10 pages, 3594 KiB  
Article
Enhanced Gas Sensing Performance of ZnO/Ti3C2Tx MXene Nanocomposite
by Qui Thanh Hoai Ta, Deepika Thakur and Jin-Seo Noh
Micromachines 2022, 13(10), 1710; https://doi.org/10.3390/mi13101710 - 11 Oct 2022
Cited by 10 | Viewed by 2010
Abstract
A representative of titanium carbide MXene, Ti3C2Tx is a promising candidate for high performance gas sensing and has attracted significant attention. However, MXene naturally has a multilayer structure with low porosity, which prevents its gas-sensing activity. Zinc oxide [...] Read more.
A representative of titanium carbide MXene, Ti3C2Tx is a promising candidate for high performance gas sensing and has attracted significant attention. However, MXene naturally has a multilayer structure with low porosity, which prevents its gas-sensing activity. Zinc oxide (ZnO) has long been utilized as a gas detector. Despite its good response to multiple gases, high operation temperature has limited its widespread use as a gas-sensing material. In this study, a room-temperature toxic gas sensor was prepared from ZnO/Ti3C2Tx MXene nanocomposite consisting of 2D few-layered MXene and 1D ZnO nanoparticles. A simple technique for synthesizing the nanocomposite was established. The physicochemical properties of the nanocomposite were fine-controlled with more active sites and higher porosity. The sensitivity and gas-selectivity of the sensing material were closely examined. The nanocomposite showed enhanced response and recovery behaviors to toxic gases, which outperformed pure Ti3C2Tx MXene and pure ZnO. This study offers a practical strategy by which to increase the gas-sensing performance of Ti3C2Tx MXene, and expands comprehensive understanding of the gas-sensing process of ZnO/Ti3C2Tx p-n heterostructure. Full article
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Review

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19 pages, 3113 KiB  
Review
MXene-Embedded Electrospun Polymeric Nanofibers for Biomedical Applications: Recent Advances
by Bishweshwar Pant, Mira Park and Allison A. Kim
Micromachines 2023, 14(7), 1477; https://doi.org/10.3390/mi14071477 - 23 Jul 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1936
Abstract
Recently MXenes has gained immense attention as a new and exciting class of two-dimensional material. Due to their unique layered microstructure, the presence of various functional groups at the surface, earth abundance, and attractive electrical, optical, and thermal properties, MXenes are considered promising [...] Read more.
Recently MXenes has gained immense attention as a new and exciting class of two-dimensional material. Due to their unique layered microstructure, the presence of various functional groups at the surface, earth abundance, and attractive electrical, optical, and thermal properties, MXenes are considered promising candidates for various applications such as energy, environmental, and biomedical. The ease of dispersibility and metallic conductivity of MXene render them promising candidates for use as fillers in polymer nanocomposites. MXene–polymer nanocomposites simultaneously benefit from the attractive properties of MXenes and the flexibility and facile processability of polymers. However, the potentiality of MXene to modify the electrospun nanofibers has been less studied. Understanding the interactions between polymeric nanofibers and MXenes is important to widen their role in biomedical applications. This review explores diverse methods of MXene synthesis, discusses our current knowledge of the various biological characteristics of MXene, and the synthesis of MXene incorporated polymeric nanofibers and their utilization in biomedical applications. The information discussed in this review serves to guide the future development and application of MXene–polymer nanofibers in biomedical fields. Full article
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45 pages, 14359 KiB  
Review
MXene-Based Nanocomposites for Piezoelectric and Triboelectric Energy Harvesting Applications
by Durga Prasad Pabba, Mani Satthiyaraju, Ananthakumar Ramasdoss, Pandurengan Sakthivel, Natarajan Chidhambaram, Shanmugasundar Dhanabalan, Carolina Venegas Abarzúa, Mauricio J. Morel, Rednam Udayabhaskar, Ramalinga Viswanathan Mangalaraja, Radhamanohar Aepuru, Sathish-Kumar Kamaraj, Praveen Kumar Murugesan and Arun Thirumurugan
Micromachines 2023, 14(6), 1273; https://doi.org/10.3390/mi14061273 - 20 Jun 2023
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 3206
Abstract
Due to its superior advantages in terms of electronegativity, metallic conductivity, mechanical flexibility, customizable surface chemistry, etc., 2D MXenes for nanogenerators have demonstrated significant progress. In order to push scientific design strategies for the practical application of nanogenerators from the viewpoints of the [...] Read more.
Due to its superior advantages in terms of electronegativity, metallic conductivity, mechanical flexibility, customizable surface chemistry, etc., 2D MXenes for nanogenerators have demonstrated significant progress. In order to push scientific design strategies for the practical application of nanogenerators from the viewpoints of the basic aspect and recent advancements, this systematic review covers the most recent developments of MXenes for nanogenerators in its first section. In the second section, the importance of renewable energy and an introduction to nanogenerators, major classifications, and their working principles are discussed. At the end of this section, various materials used for energy harvesting and frequent combos of MXene with other active materials are described in detail together with the essential framework of nanogenerators. In the third, fourth, and fifth sections, the materials used for nanogenerators, MXene synthesis along with its properties, and MXene nanocomposites with polymeric materials are discussed in detail with the recent progress and challenges for their use in nanogenerator applications. In the sixth section, a thorough discussion of the design strategies and internal improvement mechanisms of MXenes and the composite materials for nanogenerators with 3D printing technologies are presented. Finally, we summarize the key points discussed throughout this review and discuss some thoughts on potential approaches for nanocomposite materials based on MXenes that could be used in nanogenerators for better performance. Full article
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25 pages, 3018 KiB  
Review
Application Prospects of MXenes Materials Modifications for Sensors
by Vy Anh Tran, Nguyen Tien Tran, Van Dat Doan, Thanh-Quang Nguyen, Hai Ha Pham Thi and Giang N. L. Vo
Micromachines 2023, 14(2), 247; https://doi.org/10.3390/mi14020247 - 18 Jan 2023
Cited by 21 | Viewed by 2826
Abstract
The first two-dimensional (2D) substance sparked a boom in research since this type of material showed potential promise for applications in field sensors. A class of 2D transition metal nitrides, carbides, and carbonitrides are referred to as MXenes. Following the 2011 synthesis of [...] Read more.
The first two-dimensional (2D) substance sparked a boom in research since this type of material showed potential promise for applications in field sensors. A class of 2D transition metal nitrides, carbides, and carbonitrides are referred to as MXenes. Following the 2011 synthesis of Ti3C2 from Ti3AlC2, much research has been published. Since these materials have several advantages over conventional 2D materials, they have been extensively researched, synthesized, and studied by many research organizations. To give readers a general understanding of these well-liked materials, this review examines the structures of MXenes, discusses various synthesis procedures, and analyzes physicochemistry properties, particularly optical, electronic, structural, and mechanical properties. The focus of this review is the analysis of modern advancements in the development of MXene-based sensors, including electrochemical sensors, gas sensors, biosensors, optical sensors, and wearable sensors. Finally, the opportunities and challenges for further study on the creation of MXenes-based sensors are discussed. Full article
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18 pages, 6905 KiB  
Review
Advanced MXene-Based Micro- and Nanosystems for Targeted Drug Delivery in Cancer Therapy
by Fatemeh Mohajer, Ghodsi Mohammadi Ziarani, Alireza Badiei, Siavash Iravani and Rajender S. Varma
Micromachines 2022, 13(10), 1773; https://doi.org/10.3390/mi13101773 - 19 Oct 2022
Cited by 10 | Viewed by 3164
Abstract
MXenes with unique mechanical, optical, electronic, and thermal properties along with a specific large surface area for surface functionalization/modification, high electrical conductivity, magnetic properties, biocompatibility, and low toxicity have been explored as attractive candidates for the targeted delivery of drugs in cancer therapy. [...] Read more.
MXenes with unique mechanical, optical, electronic, and thermal properties along with a specific large surface area for surface functionalization/modification, high electrical conductivity, magnetic properties, biocompatibility, and low toxicity have been explored as attractive candidates for the targeted delivery of drugs in cancer therapy. These two-dimensional materials have garnered much attention in the field of cancer therapy since they have shown suitable photothermal effects, biocompatibility, and luminescence properties. However, outstanding challenging issues regarding their pharmacokinetics, biosafety, targeting properties, optimized functionalization, synthesis/reaction conditions, and clinical translational studies still need to be addressed. Herein, recent advances and upcoming challenges in the design of advanced targeted drug delivery micro- and nanosystems in cancer therapy using MXenes have been discussed to motivate researchers to further investigate this field of science. Full article
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34 pages, 5590 KiB  
Review
2D MXene Nanomaterials as Electrocatalysts for Hydrogen Evolution Reaction (HER): A Review
by Shaik Gouse Peera, Ravindranadh Koutavarapu, Liu Chao, Lakhveer Singh, Govindhasamy Murugadoss and Gaddam Rajeshkhanna
Micromachines 2022, 13(9), 1499; https://doi.org/10.3390/mi13091499 - 09 Sep 2022
Cited by 20 | Viewed by 4448
Abstract
MXenes, a novel family of 2D transition metal carbide, nitride and carbonitride materials, have been gaining tremendous interest in recent days as potential electrocatalysts for various electrochemical reactions, including hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). MXenes are characterized by their etchable metal layers, excellent structural [...] Read more.
MXenes, a novel family of 2D transition metal carbide, nitride and carbonitride materials, have been gaining tremendous interest in recent days as potential electrocatalysts for various electrochemical reactions, including hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). MXenes are characterized by their etchable metal layers, excellent structural stability, versatility for heteroatoms doping, excellent electronic conductivity, unique surface functional groups and admirable surface area, suitable for the role of electrocatalyst/support in electrochemical reactions, such as HER. In this review article, we summarized recent developments in MXene-based electrocatalysts synthesis and HER performance in terms of the theoretical and experimental point of view. We systematically evaluated the superiority of the MXene-based catalysts over traditional Pt/C catalysts in terms of HER kinetics, Tafel slope, overpotential and stability, both in acidic and alkaline electrolytic environments. We also pointed out the motives behind the electro catalytic enhancements, the effect of synthesis conditions, heteroatom doping, the effect of surface terminations on the electrocatalytic active sites of various MXenes families. At the end, various possible approaches were recommended for a deeper understanding of the active sites and catalytic improvement of MXenes catalysts for HER. Full article
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13 pages, 1749 KiB  
Review
MXene-Chitosan Composites and Their Biomedical Potentials
by Parisa Iravani, Siavash Iravani and Rajender S. Varma
Micromachines 2022, 13(9), 1383; https://doi.org/10.3390/mi13091383 - 25 Aug 2022
Cited by 24 | Viewed by 3540
Abstract
Today, MXenes with fascinating electronic, thermal, optical, and mechanical features have been broadly studied for biomedical applications, such as drug/gene delivery, photothermal/photodynamic therapy, antimicrobials/antivirals, sensing, tissue engineering, and regenerative medicine. In this context, various MXene-polymer composites have been designed to improve the characteristics [...] Read more.
Today, MXenes with fascinating electronic, thermal, optical, and mechanical features have been broadly studied for biomedical applications, such as drug/gene delivery, photothermal/photodynamic therapy, antimicrobials/antivirals, sensing, tissue engineering, and regenerative medicine. In this context, various MXene-polymer composites have been designed to improve the characteristics such as physiological stability, sustained/controlled release behaviors, biodegradability, biocompatibility, selectivity/sensitivity, and functionality. Chitosan with advantages of ease of modification, biodegradability, antibacterial activities, non-toxicity, and biocompatibility can be considered as attractive materials for designing hybridized composites together with MXenes. These hybrid composites ought to be further explored for biomedical applications because of their unique properties such as high photothermal conversion efficiency, improved stability, selectivity/sensitivity, stimuli-responsiveness behaviors, and superior antibacterial features. These unique structural, functional, and biological attributes indicate that MXene-chitosan composites are attractive alternatives in biomedical engineering. However, several crucial aspects regarding the surface functionalization/modification, hybridization, nanotoxicological analyses, long-term biosafety assessments, biocompatibility, in vitro/in vivo evaluations, identification of optimization conditions, implementation of environmentally-benign synthesis techniques, and clinical translation studies are still need to be examined by researchers. Although very limited studies have revealed the great potentials of MXene-chitosan hybrids in biomedicine, the next steps should be toward the extensive research and detailed analyses in optimizing their properties and improving their functionality with a clinical and industrial outlook. Herein, recent developments in the use of MXene-chitosan composites with biomedical potentials are deliberated, with a focus on important challenges and future perspectives. In view of the fascinating properties and multifunctionality of MXene-chitosan composites, these hybrid materials can open significant new opportunities in the future for bio- and nano-medicine arena. Full article
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