Advancements in MXene transformation: Nanoarchitectonics for biomedical and energy applications

A new class of two-dimensional materials with a wide range of potential applications is MXene that is both versatile and promising, serving a variety of purposes across several industries. Numerous surface end-group functional groups (−F, −O, and −OH) and a broad spectrum of compatibility with second-phase materials make layered MXene a promising material for creating high-performance, multifunctional hybrids. The facile interlayer stacking that occurs during operation of Ti₃C₂ MXene nanosheets has been discovered to be a drawback, which hinders ion/electron transport. A novel method for resolving this problem is the in-situ transformation of MXene. The loading of the second-phase material during the in-situ transformation process of MXene materials is controlled and can successfully inhibit the interlayer stacking effect of MXene nanosheets. High-performance, multifunctional hybrid materials can be directionally constructed at the same time by choosing and managing the second-phase material. Large specific surface area, metallic conductivity, high active sites of MXene, and the inherent qualities of the chosen second-phase material can all be combined in the in-situ converted hybrid materials. Composite materials based on Ti₃C₂ MXene derivatives have been prepared and used with great speed recently, offering a wide range of research opportunities in areas such as energy storage, catalysis, biomedical, and more. This article outlines the processes for creating and transforming MXene-based in-situ converted hybrid materials (in-situ generated, metal ion hybridization, and MOF material hybridization) using Ti₃C₂ as an example. The uses of MXene hybrid materials in biomedical, catalysis, and energy storage (such as lithium-sulfur batteries, supercapacitors, and hydrogen storage) are also outlined. The article highlights the open questions in the field of MXene in situ transformation research and suggests future areas of inquiry for scientific investigation. In addition to create functional nanomaterials, it aims to give researchers fresh research ideas in this sector.