The family of 2D transition metal carbides, carbonitrides and nitrides (collectively referred to as MXenes) has expanded rapidly since the discovery of Ti3C2 in 2011. The materials reported so far always have surface terminations, such as hydroxyl, oxygen or fluorine, which impart hydrophilicity to their surfaces. About 20 different MXenes have been synthesized, and the structures and properties of dozens more have been theoretically predicted. The availability of solid solutions, the control of surface terminations and a recent discovery of multi-transition-metal layered MXenes offer the potential for synthesis of many new structures. The versatile chemistry of MXenes allows the tuning of properties for applications including energy storage, electromagnetic interference shielding, reinforcement for composites, water purification, gas- and biosensors, lubrication, and photo-, electro- and chemical catalysis. Attractive electronic, optical, plasmonic and thermoelectric properties have also been shown. In this Review, we present the synthesis, structure and properties of MXenes, as well as their energy storage and related applications, and an outlook for future research. More than twenty 2D carbides, nitrides and carbonitrides of transition metals (MXenes) have been synthesized and studied, and dozens more predicted to exist. Highly electrically conductive MXenes show promise in electrical energy storage, electromagnetic interference shielding, electrocatalysis, plasmonics and other applications.

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2D metal carbides and nitrides (MXenes) for energy storage

Recently a new, large family of two-dimensional (2D) early transition metal carbides and carbonitrides, called MXenes, was discovered. MXenes are produced by selective etching of the A element from the MAX phases, which are metallically conductive, layered solids connected by strong metallic, ionic, and covalent bonds, such as Ti2AlC, Ti3AlC2, and Ta4AlC3. MXenes ­combine the metallic conductivity of transition metal carbides with the hydrophilic nature of their hydroxyl or oxygen terminated surfaces. In essence, they behave as “conductive clays”. This article reviews progress—both ­experimental and theoretical—on their synthesis, structure, properties, intercalation, delamination, and potential applications. MXenes are expected to be good candidates for a host of applications. They have already shown promising performance in electrochemical energy storage systems. A detailed outlook for future research on MXenes is also presented.

25th Anniversary Article: MXenes: A New Family of Two‐Dimensional Materials

http://liu.diva-portal.org/smash/get/diva2:303552/FULLTEXT01

The Mn+1AXn phases: Materials science and thin-film processing

The MAX phases are a group of layered ternary compounds with the general formula Mn+1AXn (M: early transition metal; A: group A element; X: C and/or N; n = 1–3), which combine some properties of metals, such as good electrical and thermal conductivity, machinability, low hardness, thermal shock resistance and damage tolerance, with those of ceramics, such as high elastic moduli, high temperature strength, and oxidation and corrosion resistance. The publication of papers on the MAX phases has shown an almost exponential increase in the past decade. The existence of further MAX phases has been reported or proposed. In addition to surveying this activity, the synthesis of MAX phases in the forms of bulk, films and powders is reviewed, together with their physical, mechanical and corrosion/oxidation properties. Recent research and development has revealed potential for the practical application of the MAX phases (particularly using the pressureless sintering and physical vapour deposition coating rout...

Progress in research and development on MAX phases: a family of layered ternary compounds

Since their inception in 2011, from the inaugural synthesis of multi-layered Ti3C2Tx by etching Ti3AlC2 with hydrofluoric acid (HF), novel routes with a myriad of reducing agents, etchants and intercalants have been explored and many new members have been added to the two-dimensional (2D) material constellation. Despite being endowed with the rare combination of good electronic conductivity and hydrophilicity, their inherent low capacities, for instance, temper their prospect for application for electrodes in energy storage systems. MXene-based composites, however, with a probable synergistic effect in agglomeration prevention, facilitating electronic conductivity, improving electrochemical stability, enhancing pseudocapacitance and minimizing the shortcomings of individual components, exceed the previously mentioned capacitance ceiling. In this review, we summarise the development and progress in the synthesis of various multi-layered carbides, carbonitrides and nitrides, and intercalants, as well as the subsequent processing in order to delaminate them into single- and/or few-layered and incorporate into MXene-based composites, focusing on their performance and application as transparent conductive films, environmental remediation, electromagnetic interference (EMI) absorption and shielding, electrocatalysts, Li-ion batteries (LIBs), supercapacitors and other electrochemical storage systems.

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Recent progress in layered transition metal carbides and/or nitrides (MXenes) and their composites: synthesis and applications

High-temperature oxidation and hot corrosion of Cr2AlC

Microstructural characterization of layered ternary Ti2AlC

Synthesis and microstructure of layered-ternary Ti2AlN ceramic

Bulk Ta4AlC3, a new layered-ternary carbide in the Ta–Al–C system, was synthesized and characterized. Transmission electron microscopy investigations on this new phase are reported here. Selected area electron diffraction and convergent beam electron diffraction analyses indicated that this ternary carbide crystallized with the space group P63/mmc. Atomic-scale microstructures of Ta4AlC3 were achieved by means of high-resolution transmission electron microscopy and Z-contrast scanning transmission electron microscopy. The experimental crystal structural parameters agreed well with the theoretical values obtained using density-functional calculations.

M.S. Li

Papers

High-temperature oxidation and hot corrosion of Cr2AlC

Microstructural characterization of layered ternary Ti2AlC

Synthesis and microstructure of layered-ternary Ti2AlN ceramic

Structural characterization of a new layered-ternary Ta4AlC3 ceramic

Influence of water vapor on the oxidation behavior of Ti3AlC2 and Ti2AlC