MXenes and MXene-based (nano)structures: A perspective on greener synthesis and biomedical prospects

Abstract

Generally, MXenes have been widely prepared using hazardous/harmful etchants or fluoride-containing reagents through laborious protocols without environmentally-friendly features. Thus, greener and eco-friendly tech-niques with mild conditions and safer agents/materials for the synthesis and functionalization of these structures should be focused to reduce or avoid the utilization of toxic and hazardous chemical agents, enhancing the biocompatibility and biosafety criteria. The manufacturing of high-quality MXenes and their derivatives with up-scalability, simplicity, high yields, and cost-effectiveness advantages for clinical and biomedical purposes should be a priority for research in this field. MXenes with unique electronic/electric, mechanical, thermal, optical and magnetic properties can be applied to improve the efficacy and functionality of intelligent nanosystems targeted for biomedical purposes. However, in addition to the up-scalability and environmentally-benign criteria, other critical aspects regarding the stability and cost-effectiveness as well as optimized conditions and functionalization processes should be addressed. Herein, recent advances of greener synthesis approaches for designing MXenes as well as their biomedical potentials are deliberated, focusing on important challenges and future perspectives.