Researchers at Drexel University have created a new class of two-dimensional (2D) early transition metal carbide and carbonitride compounds known as MXenes. 2D solids, among them most notably graphene, have generated recent interest because of their outstanding properties which can be exploited for innumerable industrial and biomedical applications. Multilayer MXenes are conductively similar to multilayer graphene. However, unlike graphene, MXenes can be easily dispersed in aqueous solutions because of their hydrophilic properties. MXenes are generated from a large class (>60) of parent compounds known as MAX phases. The electrochemical optical, electronic and mechanical properties of MXenes can be optimized by selection of parent compound, surface chemistry, and intercalating cations and/or organic compounds to produce a wide array of novel materials with applications that range from electronic devices, sensors, reinforcement for composites, energy storage materials and conductive transparent electrodes.