The Transition of MXene Research: The Map and the Gap

Abstract

Since their discovery in 2011, MXenes have attracted significant attention as a rapidly emerging family of 2D transition metal carbides and nitrides. Their wide range of applications, including energy storage, electromagnetic shielding, sensing, catalysis, and biomedicine, highlights their versatility. However, the explosive growth of publications has made it increasingly difficult to trace the structural evolution of the field and systematically identify its intrinsic research gaps. In this review, we provide a comprehensive perspective on the evolution of MXene research based on large-scale analysis of more than 18,000 publications. The objective is not merely to report growth size, but to map and interpret the intellectual structure, collaborative landscape, and thematic progression of MXene science. Although synthesis strategies and energy-associated applications of MXenes dominate the literature, several evolving directions remain comparatively underdeveloped in terms of mechanistic depth, scalability, and standardization. We further discuss structural discrepancies, including the predominance of laboratory-scale investigations and the limited integration of safety and lifecycle considerations. Such insights may help the community navigate the next episode of the MXene research story toward technological maturity. By visualizing structural gaps, this work defines a roadmap for advancing MXene research toward scalable, reliable, and application-ready technologies.