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2D MXenes in the design of heavy metal ion sensors (review)
Journal article   Peer reviewed

2D MXenes in the design of heavy metal ion sensors (review)

Ilya Navitski, Sarunas Zukauskas, Simonas Ramanavicius, Oleksiy Gogotsi and Arunas Ramanavicius
Trends in environmental analytical chemistry, v 47, e00270
Sep 2025
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.teac.2025.e00270

Abstract

Chemical sensors Electroanalysis Heavy metal ions MXenes Optical sensors Potentiodynamic methods Electrochemistry
Heavy metals are used across industries worldwide, generating large amounts of waste, leading to environmental contamination. Contamination from heavy metals, such as lead, cadmium, and mercury, causes significant harm to health and quality of life. Thus, the development of new methods to detect heavy metal ions is essential for protecting public health. This can be achieved by creating fast and reliable sensors based on MXenes. The unique properties of MXenes, including tunable surface functionality, excellent electrical conductivity, and remarkable mechanical strength, enhance their suitability in sensor design. This review is focused on the application of MXenes in heavy metal ion sensing, the overview of sensor action mechanisms, and the potential applications of MXene-based sensors in environmental monitoring. [Display omitted] •This review is focused on the application of emerging materials – MXenes – in heavy metal ion sensing systems•Some unique properties of MXenes, such as tunable surface functionality and functionalization ability, are discussed•The most attention is dedicated to the determination of lead, copper, mercury, silver, arsenic and cadmium ions•Performance of MXene-based sensors with that based on other materials are discussed•Action mechanisms of some MXene-based sensors are outlined

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