Two-Dimensional MXenes as Next-Generation Nanomaterials for Biosensing and Hydrogen Production

The discovery of graphene, which has led to further research on other two-dimensional (2D) materials, has greatly enhanced the development of sustainable novel materials in the age of nanotechnology. The majority of elements in the periodic table are currently converted into 2D forms by researchers. Materials such as graphene and its derivatives, transition-metal dichalcogenides (TMDs), and transition-metal carbides (MXenes) have been extensively used because of their exceptional electronic and optical properties. While addressing synthesis challenges and stability issues, functionalization is one of the strategies used to overcome the difficulties related to the stability and large dimensions of 2D materials. This review provides detailed studies on MXene synthesis methods and their characteristic properties, emphasizing the importance of modifying MXenes for biosensing applications such as the detection of pathogenic viruses and bacteria, mycotoxins, hazardous pollutants, food contaminants, biomolecules, and cancer biomarkers. A review of the function of MXenes in hydrogen production highlights how well they improve charge transfer and lower reaction overpotentials. The future prospects of MXene-based biosensors as advanced diagnostic tools and hydrogen catalysts are also discussed, in addition to surface functionalization engineering and hybridization techniques.