Biomedical and Environmental Applications of MXenes

MXenes, a new family of two-dimensional transition metal carbides and nitrides, have become extremely versatile materials because of their unusual physiochemical properties such as large surface area, high electrical conductivity, tunable surface chemistry, and high mechanical strength. These properties have led to the swift growth into a broad range of interdisciplinary applications. This chapter discusses the pioneering biomedical and environmental uses of MXenes, including their applications in biosensing, drug delivery, photothermal therapy, and antimicrobial activity. Their use in environmental remediation, such as heavy metal adsorption, photocatalysis, and water purification, is also discussed in great detail. We also highlight the issues of biocompatibility, toxicity, stability, and scalability that are essential to the real-world applications of MXene-based technologies.