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A comprehensive review on MXenes for various applications

Author

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  • Ajmal, Zeeshan
  • Qadeer, Abdul
  • Singh, Karanpal
  • Al Mahmud, Abdullah
  • Lakhan, Muhammad Nazim
  • Pradeep, Hareesh
  • Hussain, Basharat
  • Ullah, Abid
  • Khan, Humaira Rashid
  • Ibrahim, Essam H.
  • Kewate, Onkar Jaywant
  • Cui, Jianglong
  • Rosaiah, P.
  • Akkinepally, Bhargav
  • Hussain, Iftikhar
  • Shuhang, Wang

Abstract

Two-dimensional (2D) MXenes, a new class of transition metal carbides, nitrides, and carbonitrides, have emerged as highly adaptable nanomaterials due to their outstanding electrical conductivity, customizable surface terminations, and distinctive layered architecture. MXenes, like Ti3C2Tx, have strong metallic conductivity, hydrophilicity, and mechanical flexibility, making them useful for energy storage, catalysis, sensing, and biomedicine. They are synthesized through selective etching of MAX phases. Their unique properties, high ion transport kinetics, and environmental stability make them ideal candidates for supercapacitors, Li/Na/Zn-ion batteries, solar cells, and beyond. MXenes' high surface area, adjustable chemistry, and photothermal characteristics make them excellent for applications in electrochemical sensing, water purification, and medicinal platforms, in addition to energy. Despite fast development, hurdles persist in scalable, green synthesis, long-term stability, and accurate surface engineering. MXene-based composites will be more useful in energy harvesting, environmental remediation, and advanced optoelectronics due to advancements in interlayer tuning and surface functionalization. This review provides a comprehensive overview of MXene production, structural features, and multifunctional applications, as well as key research directions for long-term development and integration into next-generation technologies.

Suggested Citation

  • Ajmal, Zeeshan & Qadeer, Abdul & Singh, Karanpal & Al Mahmud, Abdullah & Lakhan, Muhammad Nazim & Pradeep, Hareesh & Hussain, Basharat & Ullah, Abid & Khan, Humaira Rashid & Ibrahim, Essam H. & Kewate, 2025. "A comprehensive review on MXenes for various applications," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 397(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:appene:v:397:y:2025:i:c:s0306261925008669
    DOI: 10.1016/j.apenergy.2025.126136
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Mohtasim, Md. Shahriar & Das, Barun K., 2025. "MXene based composite phase change materials for thermal energy storage applications: Featuring bio-mimic approaches," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 207(C).
    2. Ma, Yan & Zou, Minming & Chen, Wenjing & Luo, Wenxing & Hu, Xiaowu & Xiao, Shikun & Luo, Lixiang & Jiang, Xiongxin & Li, Qinglin, 2023. "A structured phase change material integrated by MXene/AgNWs modified dual-network and polyethylene glycol for energy storage and thermal management," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 349(C).
    3. Du, Yu & Huang, Haowei & Hu, Xinpeng & Liu, Shuang & Sheng, Xinxin & Li, Xiaolong & Lu, Xiang & Qu, Jinping, 2021. "Melamine foam/polyethylene glycol composite phase change material synergistically modified by polydopamine/MXene with enhanced solar-to-thermal conversion," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 171(C), pages 1-10.
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