MXene: A Roadmap to Sustainable Energy Management, Synthesis Routes, Stabilization, and Economic Assessment

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Chemical Engineering
• Energy Science

Background:

• MXenes are advanced 2D materials with tunable properties and excellent surface chemistry, making them highly promising for energy management.
• Recent research has focused on MXene synthesis methods, but a comprehensive overview linking synthesis, properties, and applications is needed.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide a detailed review of MXene synthesis routes, encompassing acidic, alkaline, electrochemical, and molten salt methods.
• To summarize the structural, optical, electronic, and magnetic properties of MXenes and their stability.
• To discuss the application of MXenes in various energy management systems and analyze their techno-economic feasibility and sustainability.

Main Methods:

• Review of literature on MXene synthesis techniques, including etching with acids (HCl, HF) and non-acidic solutions.
• Compilation of data on MXene properties (structural, optical, electronic, magnetic) and stability.
• Analysis of techno-economic and life cycle assessments for MXene applications in energy systems.

Main Results:

• Multiple synthesis routes for MXenes are available, offering versatility in material design.
• MXenes exhibit remarkable thermal, chemical, mechanical, and electrochemical stability, crucial for energy applications.
• MXenes show potential in photovoltaic thermal systems, heaters, solar desalination, batteries, and supercapacitors.

Conclusions:

• MXenes possess unique properties suitable for diverse energy management applications.
• Techno-economic and life cycle analyses are essential for assessing MXene commercialization and sustainability.
• Further research and development are recommended to optimize MXene utilization in niche energy applications.