Towards Greener and More Sustainable Synthesis of MXenes: A Review

Abstract

The unique properties of MXenes have been deemed to be of significant interest in various emerging applications. However, MXenes provide a major drawback involving environmentally harmful and toxic substances for its general fabrication in large-scale production and employing a high-temperature solid-state reaction followed by selective etching. Meanwhile, how MXenes are synthesized is essential in directing their end uses. Therefore, making strategic approaches to synthesize greener, safer, more sustainable, and more environmentally friendly MXenes is imperative to commercialize at a competitive price. With increasing reports of green synthesis that promote advanced technologies and non-toxic agents, it is critical to compile, summarize, and synthesize the latest development of the green-related technology of MXenes. We review the recent progress of greener, safer, and more sustainable MXene synthesis with a focus on the fundamental synthetic process, the mechanism, and the general advantages, and the emphasis on the MXene properties inherited from such green synthesis techniques. The emerging use of the so-called green MXenes in energy conversion and storage, environmental remediation, and biomedical applications is presented. Finally, the remaining challenges and prospects of greener MXene synthesis are discussed.

Role of MXenes in advancing soft robotics

“…Optimized manufacturing processes and efficient etching methods can help reduce the production time and costs; alternative raw materials that are more abundant and cost-effective could be explored to make MXenes more economically viable. 48,93,119,120…”

“…[90][91][92] These 2D materials are typically fabricated by etching approaches, including molten-salt, HF-free, and electrochemical etching. 93 Other techniques, such as hydrothermal and chemical vapor deposition techniques, have also been reported. 93,94 The fabrication of MXenes and their composites can be challenging due to the requirement for selective etching of the ''A'' layers and the optimization of the reaction conditions.…”

“…93 Other techniques, such as hydrothermal and chemical vapor deposition techniques, have also been reported. 93,94 The fabrication of MXenes and their composites can be challenging due to the requirement for selective etching of the ''A'' layers and the optimization of the reaction conditions. In addition, the type of intercalant used can affect the final product, and the strategies depend on the etching technique and processing as well as the required concentration of the MXene colloidal solution.…”

Potential of MXenes as a novel material for spintronic devices: a review

“…19,53,137,160,161,176 The quality and yield of MXenes derived from using HF depend on several parameters, such as the composition and quality of MAX phase precursors, particle size, etching solution, temperature, and reaction time. 19,176,177 The most essential part of the post-synthesis method is delamination. The wet etching acid method provides automatic delamination to generate a monolayer.…”

“…19,53,137,160,161,176 The quality and yield of MXenes derived from using HF depend on several parameters, such as the composition and quality of MAX phase precursors, particle size, etching solution, temperature, and reaction time. 19,176,177…”