Progress and challenges of emerging MXene based materials for thermoelectric applications

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Nanotechnology
• Sustainable Energy

Background:

• Nations worldwide are pursuing carbon neutrality, necessitating improved fossil fuel utilization.
• Thermoelectric devices offer a promising avenue for waste heat recovery from fuel consumption.
• Advanced materials are essential for high-performance thermoelectric devices.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review mainstream synthetic routes for MXene materials.
• To explore the current research landscape and challenges in enhancing MXene-based thermoelectrics.
• To cover both pristine MXene and MXene-based composites for thermoelectric applications.

Main Methods:

• Summarization of mainstream MXene synthesis from MAX precursors.
• Exploration of research advancements in MXene thermoelectric performance.
• Analysis of challenges in optimizing MXene-based thermoelectric materials.

Main Results:

• MXenes, a class of 2D materials, exhibit excellent thermoelectric properties due to their unique characteristics.
• Significant progress has been made in synthesizing MXene-based materials for thermoelectric devices.
• Research is actively addressing challenges to improve the performance of MXene thermoelectrics.

Conclusions:

• MXene materials are highly promising for advanced thermoelectric devices.
• Further research into synthesis and composite development is key to unlocking MXene's full potential in waste heat recovery.
• Optimizing MXene-based thermoelectrics is vital for achieving sustainable development and carbon neutrality goals.