MXene materials for advanced thermal management and thermal energy utilization

Thermal management (TM) has recently attracted tremendous attention owing to its significant role in many fields, such as electronic device, personal health, and energy storage/conversion/recovery. There is no doubt that TM materials are crucial factors determining the TM efficiency. MXenes, a family of transition metal carbides/nitrides, have experienced their emerging flourish in TM field in the last few years, owing to their unique 2D nanostructure, adjustable surface chemistry, high electrical/thermal conductivity, high light absorptivity, and low infrared emissivity. Here, in this review, the recent progress of MXene materials referring to 0D quantum dot, 1D nanoribbon, 2D nanosheet, and 3D assembly in TM field is summarized, from the aspects of conversion, storage, conduction, and radiation of thermal energy. Particularly, the fabrication of various MXene materials is introduced briefly, followed by their applications in various TM scenarios, including solar conversion, thermotherapy, Joule heater, thermoelectric, thermal conduction, phase change thermal storage, thermal camouflage, and passive radiative heating. Further, the challenge and opportunity in MXene-based TM materials are outlooked for promoting their future scientific study and practical application for efficient thermal energy utilization.