Progress towards efficient MXene sensors

MXenes, a new class of two-dimensional transition metal carbides and nitrides, have gained significant research attention due to their exceptional physicochemical properties, making them attractive as active materials for sensing applications. These sensors have diverse uses, including gas sensors for pollutants, biosensors for diagnostics, strain sensors for wearables, and optical sensors for light or chemical changes. They leverage on MXene’s unique conductivity, surface and redox reactivity, optoelectronic properties, and thermal behaviour, highlighting their versatility across various technologies. Despite progress, key challenges such as material limitations, processing difficulties, limited real-world testing, and lack of scalable manufacturing, still hinder commercial adoption. This review summarizes the recent progress in MXene-based sensors, examines these challenges, and aims toward the development of cost-effective, high-performance sensors for soft electronics. It also provides guidance for the future development of more efficient sensors and aims to inspire innovations in the field. The unique properties of MXenes make them suitable for various sensors, but scalability challenges persist. This Review focuses on overcoming these barriers to guide the development of cost effective, high-performance sensors for soft electronics.