Recent advances in flexible and wearable chemo- and bio-sensors based on two-dimensional transition metal carbides and nitrides (MXenes)

Abstract

Flexible and wearable devices have drawn great attention due to their promising applications from physiological signal detection to disease diagnosis. As a critical element of flexible and wearable devices, chemo- and bio-sensors have been widely merged with advanced nanomaterials. MXenes, a type of nanomaterial from the family of two-dimensional transition metal carbides, carbonitrides and nitrides, have been intensively explored in sensors, energy storage, electromagnetic interference shielding, biomedical engineering, and catalysis, owing to their fascinating structures and outstanding properties. In this review, we focus on recent advances in various flexible and wearable chemo- and bio-sensors derived from pristine MXenes or their nanocomposites. We first present the preparation strategies, surface modification, and performances of MXenes. Then, diverse chemo- and bio-sensors developed based on the MXenes are elaborated, including their unique properties, high sensitivity, and selectivity. Furthermore, we illustrate the related applications in the biomedical field and integrated biosensing platforms. In the end, the current challenges and future perspectives for MXene-based chemo- and bio-sensors are discussed.