Tuning MXene electrical conductivity towards multifunctionality

Since their discovery in 2011, MXenes have rapidly gained attention for their unique properties among 2D materials. Notably, their high electrical conductivity (up to 20–24 k S cm−1 for a pure film) holds great promise for unprecedented applications, particularly in wearable electronics. To that end, this article offers an overview of the strategies used to regulate the electrical conductivity of MXenes, as well as the effects of electrical conductivity on their functionalities. The article delves into strategies for regulating electrical conductivity from various dimensions, including point (M atoms, X atoms, termination groups, doped atoms), plane (size and defects), and space (all MXene 3D structures, ions/molecules, and different nanomaterials assisted 3D MXene structures). Then, the article concludes by summarizing the relationship between electrical conductivity and functionalities of MXene-based wearable electronics, discussing the challenges faced in the field, and highlighting future perspectives for MXene-based electrically conductive materials. The information presented here will aid in the future design of MXene-based highly conductive hybrid substrates for wearable electronics and beyond.