This paper reviews MAX phases (bulk) and their 2D derivative, MXenes, focusing on synthesis methods, properties, and applications. Traditional and advanced synthesis techniques, including solid-state synthesis and spark plasma sintering, are examined, emphasizing structural diversity. Key characteristics, such as thermal stability, electrical conductivity, and mechanical resilience, are explored alongside their mechanisms. The review also highlights advancements in energy harvesting applications, such as H 2 production, solar cells, energy storage, catalysis, spintronics, electronic devices, and environmental remediation. Additionally, future research directions are outlined to address existing gaps and enhance their role in next-generation technologies and environmental remediation.

Comprehensive review of MAX phase and MXene materials: synthesis, properties, and applications
    Abstract
    1 Introduction
        1.1 Historical background
        1.2 Emergence of MXene
        1.3 Objectives of present review
    2 Structure of MAX phase and MXene
        2.1 Structure of the MAX phase
        2.2 Structure of MXene
    3 Synthesis
        3.1 Synthesis of MAX phase
            3.1.1 Bottom–up approach
            3.1.2 Top–down approach
    4 Bottom–up approach
    5 Top–down approach
        5.1 Synthesis of MXene
    6 Bottom–up approach
    7 Top–down approach
    8 Properties of MAX phase and MXene
        8.1 Properties of MAX phase
        8.2 Electronic properties
        8.3 Thermal properties
        8.4 Mechanical properties
        8.5 Magnetic properties
        8.6 Optical properties
        8.7 Properties of MXene
        8.8 Electronic properties
        8.9 Thermal properties
        8.10 Mechanical properties
        8.11 Magnetic properties
        8.12 Optical properties
    9 Application
        9.1 Application of MAX phase and MXene
        9.2 Some of the applications of MAX phase
            9.2.1 High-temperature structural materials and tribological applications
            9.2.2 Biomedical applications
            9.2.3 Wear-resistant coatings
            9.2.4 Electrical and thermal conductors
            9.2.5 Catalysis
        9.3 Some of the applications of MXene
            9.3.1 Energy storage devices
            9.3.2 Electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding
            9.3.3 Biomedical applications
            9.3.4 Catalysisphotocatalysis
            9.3.5 Spintronics and magnetism
            9.3.6 CO capture
            9.3.7 Optoelectronics and sensors
    10 Challenges and future perspectives of MAX phases and MXenes
        10.1 MAX phase: challenges
        10.2 MAX phase: future perspectives
        10.3 MXene: challenges
        10.4 MXene: future perspectives
    11 Conclusion
    Acknowledgements 
    References

• C. B. Subba(Department of Physics, Mizoram University, Aizawl 796004, India)
• D. P. Rai(Department of Physics, Mizoram University, Aizawl 796004, India) Corresponding author
• Z. Pachuau(Department of Physics, Mizoram University, Aizawl 796004, India)
• Mukhriddin E. Tursunov(National University of Uzbekistan Named After Mirzo Ulugbek, Tashkent, Uzbekistan)
• Avazbek T. Dekhkonov(National University of Uzbekistan Named After Mirzo Ulugbek, Tashkent, Uzbekistan)