A comprehensive review of MXene-based nanofluids: Preparation, stability, physical properties, and applications

It has been a significant challenge to improve the heat transfer efficiency in today’s energy fields over the past few decades. Replacing traditional heat transfer fluids with nanofluids is regarded as one of the available ways to address this issue. Despite the obstacles to the commercial application of nanofluids, their unique advantages still attract the attention of scholars, and new types of nanofluids are constantly being developed. MXene, a novel type of two-dimensional material with unique optical and thermophysical properties, is expected to be studied more deeply in the field of nanofluid technology. Herein, the preparation, stability, physical properties, and applications of MXene nanofluids are firstly reviewed in detail. It is concluded that MXene nanofluids exhibit excellent light absorption capacity because of the high extinction coefficient and the LSPR effect. Low viscosity is demonstrated in several light-concentration nanofluids, which is beneficial for decreasing the transport power. Compared to traditional nanofluids, the thermal and electrical efficiencies are improved and the photothermal conversion performance is enhanced significantly when applying MXene nanofluids to PV/T systems and solar thermal collectors, respectively. These results indicate that MXene nanofluids present superior potential for numerous applications, especially in the utilization of solar energy. More investigations on the stability and physical properties of MXene nanofluids are demanded in the future. Further, a comprehensive assessment of the opportunities and risks applying MXene nanofluids over the life cycle is essential.