Recent advances and future prospects of MXene-based photocatalysts in environmental remediations

The increasing environmental challenges caused by industrial and urban development call for innovative remediation strategies. This review focuses on the novel advancements in MXene-based photocatalysts, highlighting the unique potential of MXenes, a two-dimensional family of transition metal carbides and nitrides for environmental cleanup. Unlike conventional materials, MXenes combine exceptional electronic, chemical, and mechanical properties, making them highly effective in utilizing solar energy for pollutant degradation. Their large surface area, tunable surface chemistry, functional groups, and high electrical conductivity allow for precise customization of catalytic sites, boosting their photocatalytic performance. This work explores the synthesis, properties, and mechanisms behind MXenes' superior photocatalytic activity and their application in environmental remediation. It also addresses the challenges of scaling MXene systems for practical use, along with the opportunities they offer for broader environmental solutions. By highlighting the future prospects of MXene-based photocatalysts, this review emphasizes their potential to transform the field of environmental remediation.