MXene-based gas sensors: State of the art and prospects

In recent decades, monitoring gases across various scenarios has become a paramount concern for all the people around the world. Consequently, substantial attention has been devoted to the exploration of gas-active materials. MXenes, owing to their abundant surface groups, hydrophilicity, tunable electrical conductivity, and excellent thermal conductivity, have emerged as promising candidates for gas sensing. This comprehensive review delves into the recent progress of MXene-based gas sensors. Firstly, we provide a synopsis of the elemental compositions, structures, properties, and preparation methods of MXenes. Subsequently, we review the applications of MXenes in different gas sensing fields, encompassing ammonia, acetone, toluene, ethanol, and nitrogen oxides. Finally, the existing challenges and potential research directions related to the application of MXenes in gas sensing are discussed. This review aims to elucidate the state of the art of gas sensors based on MXenes and to inspire further exploration of their myriad possibilities in this field.