Revolutionizing corrosion protection: MXenes as next-generation materials for sustainable and high-performance solutions

Corrosion is a pervasive problem that has spurred the development of innovative materials and technologies aimed at mitigating its impact across industries worldwide. MXenes, a rapidly growing family of 2D transition metal carbides, nitrides, and carbonitrides, have emerged as promising candidates for corrosion protection due to their exceptional properties, including high surface area, mechanical strength, electrical conductivity, and tunable surface chemistry. This review highlights the diverse applications of MXenes in corrosion science, particularly their use as corrosion-resistant coatings, inhibitors, and sensors. We emphasize the key properties, such as barrier performance, electrochemical activity, and the ability to form protective layers, that make MXenes highly effective in combating corrosion. Specific applications, including their role in composite coatings, self-healing systems, and multifunctional inhibitors in both acidic and alkaline environments, are discussed. Additionally, the potential in electrochemical corrosion monitoring and the mitigation of specific corrosion types, such as pitting and high-temperature corrosion, were explored. While these applications demonstrate promising performance, further research is needed to address challenges related to stability, scalability, and environmental impact. This review provides a comprehensive overview of current MXene-based corrosion protection technologies, aiming to inspire further innovation and advance the practical application of MXenes in addressing one of the most significant challenges in materials science today.