About this Research Topic
MXenes represent a new family of two-dimensional (2D) inorganic nanomaterials, which includes various transition metal carbides, nitrides, and carbonitrides. MXenes display exceptional properties similar to those of graphenes, such as large specific surface area, high metallic conductivity, excellent mechanical properties, and good hydrophilicity and biocompatibility. These properties are beneficial in energy storage, water purification, catalysts, and biomedical fields. For example, MXenes with high electronic conductivities render them promising electrode materials for LIBs, hybrid cells, and supercapacitors. MXenes with good photothermal, physico-chemical properties, and biocompatibility renders them fit for potential applications in photothermal cancer therapy , drug delivery platforms, clinical diagnostic imaging (magnetic resonance imaging, computed tomography imaging, and photoacoustic imaging), biosensors, antibacterial materials, and tissue engineering scaffolds.
To date, the dominant method for the fabrication of MXenes is on liquid-phase exfoliation from MAX-phase ceramics with the assistance of etchant (mainly HF). Most MXenes can be fabricated using this strategy from Al-containing MAX phase by adjusting the etching conditions. A few MXenes have also been synthesized through chemical vapor deposition (CVD) growth and the wet-chemical route. For MXenes fabricated by HF-etching, numerous hydrophilic groups (including -OH, -O, and -F) are located on their surfaces, providing anchor sites for further functional modification. Although much has been done to study the synthesis and applications of MXenes, great opportunities and challenges exist simultaneously in this new family of 2D materials. So far, only a very small amount of MXenes are fabricated through the perilous HF-etching treatment, and most of their applications are still hypothetical.
To promote understanding and applications of MXenes, it is extremely crucial to explore the innovative synthesis and functional modification of MXenes, the influence of morphology, size, and composition on the properties of MXenes, and promising applications of MXene in various fields.
This Research Topic particularly welcomes papers covering the innovative synthesis, functional modification, and property characterizations of MXenes. Manuscripts that only cover applications of known MXenes are not within the scope. We welcome submissions of Original Research, Reviews, Perspectives, and mini-reviews. Potential topics of primary interest include, but are not limited to:
• Innovative and green synthesis routes for MXenes
• Influences of the size and composition of MXenes on their properties
• Functional modification for novel applications in various fields
• Interaction between MXenes and drugs or cells
• Applications of MXenes for sensors and imaging
• Applications of MXenes for energy storage
Keywords: MXene, 2D nanomaterials, Synthesis, Functionalization, Biomedical Applications
Important Note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.
