A review on surface modulation of MXenes and the impact on their work functions and stability

Abstract

As the exploration of two-dimensional materials progresses, MXenes have drawn substantial attention from scientists due to their distinctive properties and extensive application prospects. Notably, their inherent surface adjustable ability makes the tuning of various properties such as work function and stability possible, which can be tailored to specific applications. The objective of this review is to systematically investigate the methodologies for modulating the surface terminations of MXenes and explore the impact on their properties such as work function and stability. Initially, we summarized the fundamental characteristics and comprehensively delineated the experimental methods of controlling the surface terminations of MXenes, including the preparation methods and post-treatments, and summarized the properties of MXenes obtained by these distinct methods. Then, the effects of different types of surface terminations on the properties of MXenes were investigated, including the analysis of work function and stability and their mechanism, and comparisons between experimentally and theoretically analysed results were conducted. Finally, a summary and outlook on the regulation of MXene surface terminations and their impact on the MXenes’ characteristics were provided. This comprehensive review holds significant value for elucidating the control mechanisms of MXenes’ surface terminations, and for paving the way towards the development of novel MXene-based materials.