Comprehensive review of MAX phase and MXene materials: synthesis, properties, and applications

In this paper, we present a detailed and comprehensive review of the MAX phase (bulk) and their 2D derivative MXenes on the basis of their synthesis, properties, and applications. MAX/Mexene have emerged as a class of materials with tremendous potential for various applications in numerous emerging technologies. We thoroughly surveyed almost all of the relevant literature on MAX/Mexene. We provide a comprehensive report on the synthesis methods of MAX phases, including traditional and innovative approaches such as solid-state synthesis and spark plasma sintering, highlighting their structural and compositional diversity. The unique physical, chemical, and mechanical properties of MAX phases, such as high thermal stability, electronic, magnetic, electrical conductivity, and flexibility, are explored along with the underlying mechanism. Furthermore, the review highlights the current research trend in MAX phase and MXene and their advancement in energy harvesting applications such as H\(_2\) production, solar cells, energy storage, catalysis, spintronics, electronic devices and environmental remediation. Their added features are damage tolerance, radiation tolerance, heat tolerance, crack-healing, heat exchangers, etc. In addition, this review provides information on future research directions that utilize current knowledge and identify gaps. The purpose of this review is to facilitate advancements in the understanding and application of MAX phases and MXenes, positioning them as pivotal materials in next-generation technologies.