Insights on updates in sodium alginate/MXenes composites as the designer matrix for various applications: A review

Advancements in two-dimensional materials, particularly MXenes, have spurred the development of innovative composites through their integration with natural polymers such as sodium alginate (SA). Mxenes exhibit a broad specific surface area, excellent electrical conductivity, and an abundance of surface terminations, which can be combined with SA to maximize the synergistic effect of the materials. This article provides a comprehensive review of state-of-the-art techniques in the fabrication of SA/MXene composites, analyzing the resulting structural and functional enhancements with a specific focus on advancing the design of these composites for practical applications. A detailed exploration of SA/MXene composites is provided, highlighting their utility in various sectors, such as wearable electronics, wastewater treatment, biomedical applications, and electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding. The review identifies the unique advantages conferred by incorporating MXene in these composites, examines the current challenges, and proposes future research directions to understand and optimize these promising materials thoroughly. The remarkable properties of MXenes are emphasized as crucial for advancing the performance of SA-based composites, indicating significant potential for developing high-performance composite materials.