Wave of 2D MXene

MXenes are 2D inorganic compounds that consist of thick layers of few atoms of transition metal carbides, nitrides, or carbonitrides. These materials possess a unique combination of properties of transition metal carbides and hydrophilic nature of hydroxyl or oxygen-terminated surfaces. MXenes are synthesized by the exfoliation of A layer from the MAX phases. The chemical diversity, superior electrical conductivity, and tunable surface of MXenes have attracted enormous research interest among scientific community worldwide, with rapidly expanding the application areas. Such exclusive properties motivated the researchers to explore the most versatile family of two-dimensional materials, i.e., MXenes. This chapter briefly introduces the origin, structure, chemical diversity, properties, and applications of the MXenes.