Hetero-MXenes: Theory, Synthesis, and Emerging Applications

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Nanotechnology
• Chemistry

Background:

• MXenes (transition metal carbides, nitrides, and carbonitrides) are a significant class of 2D materials discovered in 2011.
• Research is expanding from pristine MXenes to those with engineered compositions (hetero-MXenes).

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide a comprehensive overview of compositional engineering in MXenes.
• To cover theoretical predictions and experimental investigations of doped and substituted MXenes.
• To review synthesis methods and applications of hetero-MXenes.

Main Methods:

• Review of theoretical calculations for doping/substitution at M, X, and T sites, including vacancy effects.
• Discussion of in situ and ex situ synthesis strategies for hetero-MXenes incorporating metal/nonmetal elements (N, S, P).

Main Results:

• Compositional engineering offers diverse MXene materials with tailored properties.
• Hetero-MXenes demonstrate promising applications in energy storage, electrocatalysis, and sensors.
• Theoretical predictions and experimental findings are increasingly aligned.

Conclusions:

• Hetero-MXenes represent a promising frontier in 2D materials research.
• Further research is needed to bridge the gap between theoretical predictions and experimental realization.
• This review aims to guide the future design of high-performance hetero-MXenes.