Abstract Two-dimensional transition metal carbides (2D TMCs) have become a research hotspot in the fields of energy storage, catalysis, electromagnetic shielding, sensors, superconductivity, and so on in recent years because of their excellent physical and chemical properties, including high-volume capacitance, electrochromic properties, high electronic conductivity, high melting point, high hardness, and high chemical stability. In this paper, the properties of transition metal carbide two-dimensional materials are analyzed from the perspective of crystal structure. Combined with the properties of transition metal carbide two-dimensional materials, their applications in the fields of electrocatalysis and photocatalysis, gas catalysis and sensors, energy storage, medical treatment, and superconductivity are briefly introduced and summarized, which provides a reference for further research.