Exploring the Chemistry of 2D Transition Metal Carbides and Nitrides (MXenes): Synthesis Methods and Surface Chemistry

Dear Colleagues,

Two-dimensional transition metal carbides and nitrides (MXenes) have attracted significant research attention for various applications including electrochemical energy storage, electronics, optics, catalysis, electromagnetic interference shielding, sensing, water treatment, and biomedicine. The rich surface chemistry of MXenes has highlighted their potentials based on unique property combinations, such as hydrophilicity and metallic conductivity. Many MXene studies have been related to the Ti₃AlC₂ MAX phase and corresponding MXenes: Ti₃C₂T_x (T_x = O, OH, F, etc.) from wet-etching using acidic solution and Ti₃C₂Cl₂ (or any other halogens) from Lewis-acid molten salt (LAMS) etching. There are nominally 110 different MAX phases, excluding solid solutions; however, a few Al-based MXenes have been prioritized for study. The change in the A-element in the starting MAX phase will significantly affect their etch chemistry, which may lead to the discovery of new MXenes and surface chemistry. Authors are encouraged to explore relatively less studied MAX phases and acid or molten salt etching methods.

Potential topics for this Special Issue include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Synthesis of MAX phase;
• Selective chemical etching;
• Molten salt etching; surface modification;
• Post-synthesis treatment;
• UV-vis-NIR spectroscopy;
• Raman spectroscopy;
• X-ray diffraction;
• Electrical conductivity;
• Sensing;
• Electrochemistry;
• Electromagnetic interference shielding;
• Solution process;
• Colloidal stability;
• Thermal stability.

Dr. Hyunho Kim
Guest Editor

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