The rise of MXene-based nanofluids as the novel coolants: a state of the art and future perspectives

Official URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.applthermaleng.2026.133479

Nanofluids (NFs) represent a promising approach to enhance heat transfer in various systems. However, their translation into practical thermal management systems remains constrained by persistent challenges such as colloidal instability and agglomeration of the particles, viscosity-related hydraulic penalties, fouling and erosion risks in flow passages, and limited reproducibility of thermophysical properties across studies. The recent emergence of MXenes, a diverse family of 2D transition metal carbides, nitrides, and carbonitrides opens novel opportunities for designing next-generation NFs. The colloidal MXene solutions demonstrate remarkable thermal conductivity and superior long-term stability without the need for surfactants, distinguishing them from traditional NF components. This vision article aims to critically assess the current state of MXene-based nanofluids for heat transfer applications and identify structure-property relationships that can guide their rational design. Recent studies demonstrate thermal conductivity enhancements of up to 60–70% in MXene-based nanofluids, while relatively low particle concentrations can provide substantial improvements in convective and boiling heat transfer. Importantly, surface terminations, defect density, oxidation state, flake size, and layer number strongly affect thermal transport, stability, and rheological behavior. At the same time, MXene degradation, insufficient structural characterization, and limited reproducibility remain key barriers to practical implementation. Based on these findings, we outline major research priorities toward scalable, durable, and application-specific MXene-based coolants.