P. Das, Y.F. Dong, X.H. Wu, Y.Y. Zhu, Z.-S. Wu*

Science Bulletin, 2023, 68.

DOI: 10.1016/j.scib.2023.07.022 [PDF]

MXene, a family of two-dimensional transition-metal carbide/nitride have proven their worth as a promising material, penetrating various research fields within a short span of their synthesis. The greatest advantage of MXenes lies in the incredible tunability of its properties depending on its surface functional groups or transition-metal. More interesting properties emerge when the concept of high-entropy materials is applied to MXenes by adding more than 5 transition metals in nearly equimolar ratios, high-entropy MXenes are obtained which showcase interesting properties. In such MXene nanosheets, severe lattice distortions are observed which may greatly affect their electrochemical and catalytic activity. In this perspective, we first objectively answer whether high-entropy MXenes are worth investigating for energy storage systems and catalysis. Then, we present the latest progress in their synthesis and application as electrodes in supercapacitors and batteries. We then discuss the broad and specific challenges that should be overcome before these unique materials can realize their full potential, including new synthesis methods and theoretical methods in conjunction with artificial intelligence for judicious use of resources. Finally, we discuss the scope of high-entropy MXenes for achieving multi-functional properties which may greatly contribute to the sophistication and smartness of future electronic appliances.