Two-dimensional MXenes: A route from synthesis to applications in self-powered IoT devices

In recent times, self-powered autonomous electronic devices, equipped with energy scavenging from ambient sources, have surged in portable and wearable electronics due to their compact multifunctional nature. The discovery of two-dimensional MXene materials further revolutionizes energy harvesting and conversion with distinctive optoelectronic, electrochemical, and mechanical properties. MXenes show significant promise in enhancing the performance, durability, and versatility of IoT devices, providing advantages over other two-dimensional materials in terms of conductivity, surface area, chemical stability, fabrication simplicity, compatibility, and biocompatibility. This review contextualizes the preparation and synthesis routes of MXene together with its symbiotic contribution to harnessing energy from available sources in the environment. Commencing with an in-depth analysis of the synthesis approaches and their tailored characteristics of MXene for energy capture, the study subsequently delves into the synergistic role of MXene across diverse energy sources, encompassing solar, triboelectric, thermoelectric, piezoelectric, salinity-gradient, and electrokinetic. Ultimately, the review underscores imminent challenges and prospects, envisioning the complete harnessing of MXene's potential in energy harvesting. This succinct review is anticipated to enhance comprehension of MXene and its composites, thus paving the way for pioneering MXene material innovations and processing techniques in energy harvesting advancement.