A review on MXene and its nanocomposites for the detection of toxic inorganic gases

In the search of the viable candidate for the sensing of pollutant gases, two-dimensional (2D) material transition metal carbides (MXenes) have attracted immense attention due to their outstanding physical and chemical properties for sensing purposes. The formation of unique 2D layered structure with high conductivity, large mechanical strength, and high adsorption properties furnish their strong interactions with gaseous molecules, which holds a promising place for developing ideal gas sensing devices. This review looks at recent achievements in diversified MXenes, with a focus gaining on in-depth understanding of MXene-based materials in room temperature inorganic gas sensors through both theoretical and experimental studies. In the first part of the review, the properties and advantages of sensing material (MXene) in comparison with other 2D materials are discussed. In the second part, the unique advantages of chemiresistive based sensors and the demerits of other detection methods are summarized in detail. This section is followed by the unique structural design of MXene bases materials for improving the sensing performance towards detection of inorganic gases. The interaction between MXene and the adsorbed gases on its surface is discussed, with a possible sensing mechanism. Finally, an overview of the current progress and opportunities for the demand of MXene is emphasized and perspectives for future improvement of the design of MXene in gas sensors are highlighted. Therefore, this review highlights the opportunities and the advancement in 2D material-based gas sensors which could provide a new avenue for rapid detection of toxic gases in the environment.

Automated summary

In the search for viable candidates for pollutant gas sensing, two-dimensional material transition metal carbides (MXenes) have attracted great attention for their outstanding physical and chemical properties. The unique 2D layered structure of MXenes, with high conductivity, mechanical strength, and adsorption properties, allows for strong interactions with gaseous molecules and holds promise for developing ideal gas sensing devices. This review focuses on recent achievements in MXene-based materials for room temperature inorganic gas sensors and provides a comprehensive understanding through theoretical and experimental studies. The review discusses the properties and advantages of MXene as a sensing material compared to other 2D materials, the unique advantages of chemiresistive based sensors, the demerits of other detection methods, the structural design of MXene for improved sensing performance, the interaction between MXene and adsorbed gases, and possible sensing mechanisms. The review concludes with an overview of current progress, opportunities, and perspectives for the future improvement of MXene in gas sensors.