Sacrificial nano-sized carbon-based scaffolds for MAX phase to MXene-based technologies

Here, we discuss a recent critical advancement made by Shao et al.¹ demonstrating a successful synthesis of nano-structured MAX phases from carbon nanotubes and graphene aerogels as sacrificial scaffolds. Their efficient approach provides a possibility for tunable and controlled morphology, size, and composition of the MAX phase. Consequently, the formation of MXenes from that MAX happens in record times with high yield and a potential for a narrow flake-size distribution. Their work provides an avenue toward a realistic integration of MXenes in large-scale advanced research and technologies.