Scanning Probe Microscopy of MXenes: State of the Art and Prospects

MXenes are an emerging class of materials receiving intense attention from the scientific community, thanks to their favorable combination of physical characteristics such as high conductivity, flexibility and tunable chemistry. In order for MXenes to be utilized effectively in next-generation applications including but not limited to energy storage, catalysis, electromagnetic shielding and solid lubrication, a nano-/atomic-scale understanding of their structure as well as physicochemical properties needs to be formed. Although scanning probe microscopy in its various iterations can provide this information, its potential for fundamental MXene studies remains largely untapped. Here, by focusing on representative MXenes Ti3C2TX and Mo2C, we provide a snapshot of the current state of the field, as well as an outlook on future research directions.