Recent Progress in Emerging Two-Dimensional Transition Metal Carbides

Highlights

• The phase diagram of transition metal carbides (TMCs) is discussed.

• The physical and chemical property of TMCs is systematically summarized.

• The potential application and controllable synthesis of TMCs is discussed.

• A summary is provided to afford the principle to further investigation.

Abstract

As a new member in two-dimensional materials family, transition metal carbides (TMCs) have many excellent properties, such as chemical stability, in-plane anisotropy, high conductivity and flexibility, and remarkable energy conversation efficiency, which predispose them for promising applications as transparent electrode, flexible electronics, broadband photodetectors and battery electrodes. However, up to now, their device applications are in the early stage, especially because their controllable synthesis is still a great challenge. This review systematically summarized the state-of-the-art research in this rapidly developing field with particular focus on structure, property, synthesis and applicability of TMCs. Finally, the current challenges and future perspectives are outlined for the application of 2D TMCs.