MXene

Category: Science and Technology — Advanced Materials

MXenes are a family of two-dimensional inorganic materials composed mainly of transition-metal carbides, nitrides or carbonitrides. They are studied for their electrical conductivity, surface chemistry and energy-storage applications.

Key facts

  • Generally represented by the formula \(M_{n+1}X_nT_x\).

  • \(M\) represents an early transition metal, \(X\) represents carbon and/or nitrogen, and \(T_x\) denotes surface functional groups.

  • They are commonly produced by selectively removing an element from a layered precursor called a MAX phase.

  • Their high electrical conductivity and large accessible surface area make them useful in supercapacitors, batteries, sensors and electromagnetic interference shielding.

  • Research is also exploring their potential in water purification and biomedical applications.

UPSC key pointers

  • MXenes are two-dimensional materials, not a type of biological organism.

  • Their properties depend on composition, thickness and surface functional groups.

  • Potential applications include energy storage, sensing and conductive coatings.

  • Stability, oxidation and large-scale production remain important research challenges.