Experimental and Theoretical Advances in MXene-Based Gas Sensors

Abstract

MXenes, two-dimensional (2D) transition metal carbides and nitrides, have been arousing interest lately in the field of gas sensing thanks to their remarkable features such as graphene-like morphology, metal-comparable conductivity, large surface-to-volume ratio, mechanical flexibility, and great hydrophilic surface functionalities. With tunable etching and synthesis methods, the morphology of the MXenes, the interlayer structures, and functional group ratios on their surfaces were effectively harnessed, enhancing the efficiency of MXene-based gas-sensing devices. MXenes also efficiently form nanohybrids with other nanomaterials, as a practical approach to revamp the sensing performance of the MXene sensors. This Mini-Review summarizes the recent experimental and theoretical reports on the gas-sensing applications of MXenes and their hybrids. It also discusses the challenges and provides probable solutions that can accentuate the future perspective of MXenes in gas sensors.