The future of energy materials: A case of MXenes-carbon dots nanocomposites

This review paper investigates the synthesis and energy applications of the new materials of MXenes and carbon dots in a nanocomposite form. MXenes are relatively new to the world of science and has a lot of interesting properties that endears them to researchers. Carbon dots are also of interest in recent times due to unique and exciting properties such as biocompatibility, inertness, and low toxicity. The choice of these two materials is due to the inherent flexibility involved in their surface groups which makes them excellent materials that can be machined for some required properties. Both MXene and carbon dots could either be hydrophilic or hydrophobic, mechanically, thermally and chemically stable and exhibit large surface area and great electrical conductivity. Their nanocomposite materials are envisaged to be enhanced in these properties. The composite formation of the carbon dots with MXenes using their functional groups is an interesting property for energy purposes. Energy conversion and storage has been a hot topic and changes in lifestyle emphasizes the need for portable electronics and other materials or gadgets. On that note, MXene-Carbon dots nanocomposites could be materials of choice as electrocatalysts in fuel cells, electrode materials in metal-ion batteries, supercapacitors, photovoltaic cells, photodetectors to name but a few. This material of interest (MXene‑carbon dots) will no doubt demonstrate higher efficiency and great durability compared to other investigated materials.