Recent advance in MXenes: A promising 2D material for catalysis, sensor and chemical adsorption

MXenes, a new, very recently emerging family of two-dimensional (2D) early transition metal carbides and/or nitrides, has attracted a great influence in the fields of physics, material science, chemistry, and nanotechnology. In this review, their synthesis, compelling physical, chemical, as well as their various potential applications in catalysis, sensors and adsorption are highlighted. First, the synthesis, structural variety, and chemical and physical properties are summarized. Then the electroactivity, durability, ease of functionalization of MXenes toward electrocatalysis and photocatalysis applications are introduced. The specific properties of metallic conductivity, biocompatibility, hydrophilic surface, and 2D layered atomic structure that make MXenes promising candidates in sensing of rapid, easy, and label-free detection are consequently discussed. Finally, how MXenes could be considered as ideal adsorbents due to the advantages of large surface area and abundant active sites is underlined. Promising theoretical calculations and first remarkable performances in these applications are also highlighted.