Status and prospects of MXene-based nanoelectronic devices

MXenes, two-dimensional (2D) transition metal carbides and nitrides, are being increasingly explored for electronics. In contrast to other 2D materials experiencing profound exploration in nanoelectronics, research pertaining to MXene-based nanoscale electronic devices is in its early stage of development. However, the large compositional variety and tunable surface groups of MXenes provide a great platform to design novel integrated devices at the micro- and nanoscale. We believe that MXene-based nanoelectronics, as an emerging sub-branch of 2D electronics, is on the cusp of important discoveries and transformative developments in the field of solid-state physics and emerging devices. Herein, we review the current development in the field of nanoscale MXetronics, including the whole process flow from MXene synthesis, property tuning, thin-film preparation, microscale or nanoscale patterning, and on-chip device fabrication. Approaches to optimize every step of the MXene device fabrication protocols are discussed. We further identify key research directions essential for the successful future development of MXetronics.