Doped MXenes—A new paradigm in 2D systems: Synthesis, properties and applications

Since 2011, 2D transition metal carbides, carbonitrides and nitrides known as MXenes have gained huge attention due to their attractive chemical and electronic properties. The diverse functionalities of MXenes make them a promising candidate for multitude of applications. Recently, doping MXene with metallic and non-metallic elements has emerged as an exciting new approach to endow new properties to this 2D systems, opening a new paradigm of theoretical and experimental studies. In this review, we present a comprehensive overview on the recent progress in this emerging field of doped MXenes. We compare the different doping strategies; techniques used for their characterization and discuss the enhanced properties. The distinct advantages of doping in applications such as electrocatalysis, energy storage, photovoltaics, electronics, photonics, environmental remediation, sensors, and biomedical applications is elaborated. Additionally, theoretical developments in the field of electrocatalysis, energy storage, photovoltaics and electronics are explored to provide prospect into the specific advantages of doping along with the underlying mechanisms. Lastly, we present the advantages and challenges of doped MXenes to take forward this thriving field.