Emerging MXene-2D material heterostructures for future sensor technologies: A review

MXenes have emerged as highly versatile nanomaterials for next-generation sensing technologies. They have excellent metallic-level conductivity, a large specific surface area, tunable surface terminations, good mechanical flexibility, and biocompatibility. Those advantages enable highly sensitive, selective, and real-time detection of a wide range of analytes. This study provides an overview of recent progress in MXene-based sensing platforms, encompassing physical, chemical, and optical sensing strategies. The achievements are highlighted, with a particular emphasis on achieving ultrasensitive detection limits, multiplexed sensing, and noninvasive analysis. Beyond material-level advances, this review addresses key challenges that hinder the practical deployment of these systems. Strategies such as surface passivation, defect engineering, composite design, and green synthesis routes are evaluated. Furthermore, the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) with MXene-based sensors is discussed as a transformative approach for intelligent signal processing. Thus, this study provides insight into the future translation of MXene-based sensors into wearable, point-of-care (POC), and autonomous sensing platforms. The convergence of MXenes with various sensing platforms is expected to enable next-generation sensing systems.