Converting solar energy into a secondary energy source, via photo-thermal and photo-chemical approaches, is considered as a potential means to deal with energy problems at present. In photo-thermal and photo-chemical conversion, photocatalysis, photothermal catalysis, and evaporation play key roles via the light-matter interaction, while challenges remain due to the limited conversion efficiency. Recently, transition metal nitrides, carbonitrides, and carbides (MXene), a 2D material with excellent electronic, optical, elastic, thermoelectric, photothermal, and magnetic properties, which promise excellent light harvesting and charge separation as well as photothermal effect, have captured broad interest. In this review, recent advances of MXene in photocatalysis, photothermal catalysis, and evaporation are discussed based on introduction of the synthesis and unique physicochemical properties related to the solar energy conversion. More importantly, mechanism and constructing strategies of MXene-based photocatalysts, photothermal catalysts, and photothermal conversion materials are summarized. Moreover, a brief outlook on the current limitations and subsequent development of MXene-based photocatalysis and photothermal are provided. It is hoped that this review will afford in-depth insight and understanding toward solar energy conversion over MXene-based materials.

中文翻译：

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用于光催化和光热转换的 MXene：合成、物理化学性质和应用

通过光热和光化学方法将太阳能转化为二次能源，被认为是目前解决能源问题的潜在手段。在光热和光化学转化中，光催化、光热催化和蒸发通过光-物质相互作用发挥着关键作用，但由于转换效率有限，仍然存在挑战。最近，过渡金属氮化物、碳氮化物和碳化物（MXene）是一种具有优异电子、光学、弹性、热电、光热和磁性能的二维材料，具有优异的光捕获和电荷分离以及光热效应，已获得广泛的应用。兴趣。本文通过介绍MXene的合成以及与太阳能转换相关的独特物理化学性质，讨论了MXene在光催化、光热催化和蒸发方面的最新进展。更重要的是，总结了MXene基光催化剂、光热催化剂和光热转换材料的机理和构建策略。此外，还对基于 MXene 的光催化和光热的当前局限性和后续发展进行了简要展望。希望这篇综述能够对基于 MXene 的材料进行太阳能转换提供深入的见解和理解。