MXenes and their Composites

MXenes belongs to a new family of 2D transition metal carbides, carbonitrides and nitrides with the chemical formula Mn+1XnTx where M is an early transition metal, X is either carbon or nitrogen, Tx represents the functional groups such as hydroxy, oxygen and/or fluoride groups that are attached to the surface. Since their discovery in 2011, MXenes have attracted a great deal of research interest in various fields including physics, materials and environmental science, nanomedicine and nanoelectronics. MXenes are produced by selective etching of atomically thin metal layers from layered ceramics called as Max phases. Due their ceramic nature, MXenes are chemically and mechanically stable. MXenes can be found in different forms including monolayered, with few layers and multilayered. The unique structure of MXenes offers a combination of excellent mechanical properties, high electrical conductivity and hydrophilicity. The fascinating physicochemical properties of MXenes and its hydrophilic nature in the presence of functional groups such as hydroxyl, oxygen and fluorine on their surfaces make them promising candidate for biomedical applications. The surface of MXenes can be functionalized using various chemical groups which offer the possibilities for surface modifications/surface engineering. This newly discovered emerging family of 2D materials possess similar properties to graphene with excellent electronic conductivity and different surface terminations which enables the possibility of modifying their properties for specific applications. In addition, MXenes has a highly negative zeta potential in neutral and basic solution. Hence, it forms a stable solution in water when it is delaminated. MXenes have already found wide range of potential applications in transparent conductors, EMI shielding, field effect transistors, gas sensors, lubricants, catalyst and water purification. The reactive and hydrophilic surfaces, nanometer scale dimension, large aspect ratio and excellent intrinsic conductivity and mechanical properties render MXenes a promising filler material for multifunctional polymer composites as they can intercalate organic molecules and ions. MXenes and their Composites: Synthesis, Properties and Applications presents a thorough discussion of the physics, chemistry, biology and medicinal science behind recently developed 2D MXenes. The tremendous opportunities of 2D Mxenes arise from their multitude of applications and their ability to satisfy the vastly different functional requirements for each of these applications. This is an important reference source for researchers in the fields of materials science and engineering, polymer chemistry and physics. The book covers the fundamentals, synthesis methods, physical and mechanical properties and wide range of potential applications of MXenes in electronics and industrial sectors. Covers MXene synthesis, their exfoliation, characterization, electronic properties, surface functionalization, design and fabricationHighlights major MXene application areas, including energy storage and energy generation, EMI shielding, sensors and biosensors, medical and biomedical and gas separationAssesses the major challenges of producing MXenes on a mass scale