molecules-logo

Journal Browser

Journal Browser

Advancing Next-Generation Technologies with MXenes, 2nd Edition

A special issue of Molecules (ISSN 1420-3049). This special issue belongs to the section "Materials Chemistry".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 August 2026

Special Issue Editors


E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Environmental Contaminants Group, Future Industries Institute, University of South Australia, Adelaide, SA 5001, Australia
Interests: low-dimensional advanced materials; 2D materials for energy and environmental applications
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Mathematical, Applied, and Physical Sciences, University of Houston-Clear Lake, Houston, TX 77058, USA
Interests: 2D nanomaterials; synthesis and engineering; surface-enhanced Raman scattering; thermal transport in nanomaterials; electronic and opto-electronic properties
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

MXenes, two-dimensional transition-metal carbides, nitrides, and carbonitrides derived from MAX phases, continue to draw intense interest for their metallic conductivity, rich surface chemistry, mechanical robustness, and processability. Building on the success of the first edition of this Special Issue, this second edition focuses on the potential future of MXenes, which includes oxidation/stability control and surface passivation; scalable, safer, and fluoride-free synthesis; discovery of new compositions (e.g., nitride, double-transition-metal, and high-entropy MXenes); and advanced characterization and theory (in situ/operando methods, data-driven and AI-guided design).

We particularly welcome studies that move beyond incremental demonstrations to deliver a new understanding or step-change capability across applications. Priority areas include next-generation energy storage and conversion (Li–S, Na-ion, metal–air, electrocatalysis), electronics and devices (flexible conductors, EMI shielding, antennas, photonics), fibres/textiles and wearables, and biomedical and environmental technologies (biosensing, antimicrobial coatings, membranes, water purification). Submissions that clarify structure–property relationships, address long-term stability and recyclability, and report up-scaling/processing routes suitable for industry are especially encouraged.

We invite original research articles, short communications, reviews, and perspectives. Topics span novel MAX/MXene synthesis (including fluoride-free and continuous processes), intercalation and surface functionalization, multi-scale modelling and machine learning-assisted discovery, operando spectroscopy/microscopy, and MXene composites and heterostructures enabling new device concepts.

We aim to curate a collection that defines the way forward for MXenes, linking fundamental insight with practical pathways to deployment. We look forward to receiving your contributions.

Dr. Asif Shahzad
Dr. Tej B. Limbu
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 250 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for assessment.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Molecules is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2700 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • MAX phase
  • 2D MXene
  • MXene derivatives and heterostructures
  • fluoride-free synthesis
  • energy storage
  • EMI
  • catalysis
  • water purification
  • bottom-up approaches
  • hybrid systems

Benefits of Publishing in a Special Issue

  • Ease of navigation: Grouping papers by topic helps scholars navigate broad scope journals more efficiently.
  • Greater discoverability: Special Issues support the reach and impact of scientific research. Articles in Special Issues are more discoverable and cited more frequently.
  • Expansion of research network: Special Issues facilitate connections among authors, fostering scientific collaborations.
  • External promotion: Articles in Special Issues are often promoted through the journal's social media, increasing their visibility.
  • Reprint: MDPI Books provides the opportunity to republish successful Special Issues in book format, both online and in print.

Further information on MDPI's Special Issue policies can be found here.

Related Special Issue

Published Papers

This special issue is now open for submission.
Back to TopTop