MAX phases (Ti₃SiC₂, Ti₃AlC₂, V₂AlC, Ti₄AlN₃, etc.) are layered ternary carbides/nitrides, which are generally processed and researched as structure ceramics. Selectively removing A layer from MAX phases, MXenes (Ti₃C₂, V₂C, Mo₂C, etc.) with two-dimensional (2D) structure can be prepared. The MXenes are electrically conductive and hydrophilic, which are promising as functional materials in many areas. This article reviews the milestones and the latest progress in the research of MAX phases and MXenes, from the perspective of ceramic science. Especially, this article focuses on the conversion from MAX phases to MXenes. First, we summarize the microstructure, preparation, properties, and applications of MAX phases. Among the various properties, the crack healing properties of MAX phase are highlighted. Thereafter, the critical issues on MXene research, including the preparation process, microstructure, MXene composites, and application of MXenes, are reviewed. Among the various applications, this review focuses on two selected applications: energy storage and electromagnetic interference shielding. Moreover, new research directions and future trends on MAX phases and MXenes are also discussed.

A novel strategy for producing three-dimensional (3D) porous Ti₃C₂T_x(MXene) networks by alkali-induced crumpling of Ti₃C₂T_xnanosheets is presented. These networks display high capacity and good rate performance as anode materials for sodium-ion batteries.

Herein, we spincast aqueous colloidal Ti₂CT_x (MXene) solutions into conductive, transparent films with figures of merit (FOM), that are as good as Ti₃C₂T_x or un-doped chemically vapor-deposited graphene. When normalized by the number of transition metal atoms, the FOM is the highest ever reported for a MXene film. At about 2.7 × 10⁵ cm^–1 the absorbance coefficient of Ti₂CT_x is quite comparable to that of Ti₃C₂T_x. Quantitative relationships between film properties—conductance and transparency—and colloidal solution concentration and spin speeds are developed providing a road map for future work. GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT IMPACT STATEMENT In a first, we spincast aqueous colloidal Ti₂CT_x (MXene) solutions into conductive, transparent films with figures of merit—5—that are as good as Ti₃C₂T_x or un-doped CVD graphene.