Two-dimensional MXenes: From morphological to optical, electric, and magnetic properties and applications

TLDR

MXenes are two‑dimensional transition‑metal carbides, nitrides, and carbonitrides that have attracted intense interest since 2011, with extensive studies revealing their potential in optoelectronics, photonics, catalysis, and related fields. This review surveys the latest advances in MXene theory, synthesis, morphology engineering, opto‑electro‑magnetic properties, and their diverse applications for a multidisciplinary audience. It examines device performance limits, steric configurations, underlying physical mechanisms, and emerging application boundaries to map the frontier of MXene technology. The authors conclude with a forward‑looking perspective, outlining key challenges and opportunities for future research in MXene‑based nano‑optoelectronics.

Abstract

MXenes, generally referring to two-dimensional (2D) transition-metal carbides, nitrides, and carbonitrides, have received tremendous attention since the first report in 2011. Extensive experimental and theoretical studies have unveiled their enormous potential for applications in optoelectronics, photonics, catalysis, and many other areas. Because of their intriguing mechanical and electronic properties, together with the richness of elemental composition and chemical decoration, MXenes are poised to provide a new 2D nanoplatform for advanced optoelectronics. This comprehensive review, intended for a broad multidisciplinary readership, highlights the state-of-the-art progress on MXene theory, materials synthesis techniques, morphology modifications, opto-electro-magnetic properties, and their applications. The efforts exploring the device performance limits, steric configurations, physical mechanisms, and novel application boundaries are comprehensively discussed. The review is concluded with a compelling perspective, outlook as well as non-trivial challenges in future investigation of MXene-based nano-optoelectronics.