Search Results (625)

Dimethylformamide (DMF), a polar solvent, is commonly used for preparing graphene/epoxy nanocomposites. While previous research has commonly predominantly highlighted the improvement in physio-mechanical properties of these nanocomposites, the effect of DMF on processing and its direct influence on the final characteristics of MXene/epoxy nanocomposites have not been investigated. This unexplored link between DMF dosage, MXene concentrations, and the final composite properties presents an exciting direction for future research. In this study, a fixed dosage of DMF was used with varying MXene concentrations to fabricate the nanocomposites. To assess the reliability of DMF dosage on the characteristics of the fabricated nanocomposites, various evaluation techniques were employed, including dispersion evaluation, mechanical tests, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding, and surface roughness measurements. The research outcomes revealed that as MXene concentration increased, the characteristics of the MXene/epoxy nanocomposites, improved across the board, indicating their potential for use in energy storage applications. Full article

Modern polymer coatings possess tremendous multifunctionalities and have attracted immense research interest in recent decades. However, with the expeditious development of technologies and industries, there is a vast demand for the flame retardancy and electrical conductivity of engineered polymer coatings. Traditional functional materials that render the polymer coatings with these properties require a sophisticated fabrication process, and their high mass gains can be a critical issue for weight-sensitive applications. In recent years, massive research has been conducted on a newly emerged two-dimensional (2D) nanosize material family, MXene. Due to the excellent electrical conductivity, flame retardancy, and lightweightness, investigations have been launched to synthesise MXene-based polymer coatings. Consequently, we performed a step-by-step review of MXene-involved polymer coatings, from solely attaching MXene to the substrate surface to the multilayered coating of modified MXene with other components. This review examines the performances of the fire safety enhancement and electrical conductivity as well as the feasibility of the manufacturing procedures of the as-prepared polymer composites. Additionally, the fabricated polymer coatings’ dual property mechanisms are well-demonstrated. Finally, the prospect of MXene participating in polymer coatings to render flame retardancy and electrical conductivity is forecasted. Full article

Layered Ti₃C₂T_x MXene has been successfully intercalated and exfoliated with the simultaneous generation of a 3D silica network by treating its cationic surfactant intercalation compound (MXene-CTAB) with an alkoxysilane (TMOS), resulting in a MXene–silica nanoarchitecture, which has high porosity and specific surface area, together with the intrinsic properties of MXene (e.g., photothermal response). The ability of these innovative MXene silica materials to induce thermal activation reactions of previously adsorbed compounds is demonstrated here using NIR laser irradiation. For this purpose, the pinacol rearrangement reaction has been selected as a first model example, testing the effectiveness of NIR laser-assisted photothermal irradiation in these processes. This work shows that Ti₃C₂T_x-based nanoarchitectures open new avenues for applications that rely on the combined properties inherent to their integrated nanocomponents, which could be extended to the broader MXene family. Full article

One of the most critical problems faced by modern civilization is the depletion of freshwater resources due to their continuous consumption and contamination with different organic and inorganic pollutants. This paper considers the potential of already discovered MXenes in combination with carbon nanomaterials to address this problem. MXene appears to be a highly promising candidate for water purification due to its large surface area and electrochemical activity. However, the problems of swelling, stability, high cost, and scalability need to be overcome. The synthesis methods for MXene and its composites with graphene oxide, carbon nanotubes, carbon nanofibers, and cellulose nanofibers, along with their structure, properties, and mechanisms for removing various pollutants from water, are described. This review discusses the synthesis methods, properties, and mechanisms of water purification using MXene and its composites. It also explores the fundamental aspects of MXene/carbon nanocomposites in various forms, such as membranes, aerogels, and textiles. A comparative analysis of the latest research on this topic shows the progress in this field and the limitations for the practical application of MXene/carbon nanocomposites to solve the problem of drinking water scarcity. Consequently, this review demonstrates the relevance and promise of the material and underscores the importance of further research and development of MXene/carbon nanocomposites to provide effective water treatment solutions. Full article

Developing multifunctional flexible composites with high-performance electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding, thermal management, and sensing capacity is urgently required but challenging for next-generation smart electronic devices. Herein, novel nacre-like aramid nanofibers (ANFs)-based composite films with an anisotropic layered microstructure were prepared via vacuum-assisted filtration and hot-pressing. The formed 3D conductive skeleton enabled fast electron and phonon transport pathways in the composite films. As a result, the composite films showed a high electrical conductivity of 71.53 S/cm and an outstanding thermal conductivity of 6.4 W/m·K when the mass ratio of ANFs to MXene/AgNWs was 10:8. The excellent electrical properties and multi-layered structure endowed the composite films with superior EMI shielding performance and remarkable Joule heating performance, with a surface temperature of 78.3 °C at a voltage of 2.5 V. Additionally, it was found that the composite films also exhibited excellent mechanical properties and outstanding flame resistance. Moreover, the composite films could be further designed as strain sensors, which show great promise in monitoring real-time signals for human motion. These satisfactory results may open up a new opportunity for EMI shielding, thermal management, and sensing applications in wearable electronic devices. Full article

MXene, a promising two-dimensional nanomaterial, exhibits significant potential across various applications due to its multilayered structure, metal-like conductivity, solution processability, and surface functionalization capabilities. These remarkable properties facilitate the integration of MXenes and MXene-based materials into high-performance polymer composites. Regarding this, a comprehensive and well-structured up-to-date review is essential to provide an in-depth understanding of MXene/thermoplastic polyurethane nanocomposites. This review discusses various synthetic and modification methods of MXenes, current research progress and future potential on MXene/thermoplastic polyurethane nanocomposites, existing knowledge gaps, and further development. The main focus is on discussing strategies for modifying MXene-based compounds and their flame-retardant efficiency, with particular emphasis on understanding their mechanisms within the TPU matrix. Ultimately, this review addresses current challenges and suggests future directions for the practical utilization of these materials. Full article

Hydrogen (H₂) is considered to be the best carbon-free energy carrier that can replace fossil fuels because of its high energy density and the advantages of not producing greenhouse gases and air pollutants. As a green and sustainable method for hydrogen production, the electrochemical hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) has received widespread attention. Currently, it is a great challenge to prepare economically stable electrocatalysts for the HER using non-precious metals. In this study, a Co/Co₃O₄/Ti₃C₂T_x catalyst was synthesized by supporting Co/Co₃O₄ with Ti₃C₂T_x. The results show that Co/Co₃O₄/Ti₃C₂T_x has excellent HER activity and durability in 1 mol L⁻¹ KOH, and the overpotential and Tafel slope at 10 mA·cm⁻² were 87 mV and 61.90 mV dec⁻¹, respectively. The excellent HER activity and stability of Co/Co₃O₄/Ti₃C₂T_x can be explained as follows: Ti₃C₂T_x provides a stable skeleton and a large number of attachment sites for Co/Co₃O₄, thus exposing more active sites; the unique two-dimensional structure of Ti₃C₂T_x provides an efficient conductive network for rapid electron transfer between the electrolyte and the catalyst during electrocatalysis; Co₃O₄ makes the Co/Co₃O₄/Ti₃C₂T_x catalyst more hydrophilic, which can accelerate the release rate of bubbles; Co/Co₃O₄ can accelerate the adsorption and deionization of H₂O to synthesize H₂. This study provides a new approach for the design and preparation of low-cost and high-performance HER catalysts. Full article

Titanium alloys are difficult to machine and have poor tribological properties. Nanoparticles have good cooling and lubricating properties, which can be used in metal cutting fluid. The lubrication characteristics of the two-dimensional materials Ti₃C₂T_X MXene and graphene oxide in water-based fluid for titanium alloys were comparatively investigated in this paper. Graphene oxide had smaller friction coefficients and wear volume than Ti₃C₂T_X MXene nanofluid. As to the mechanism, MXene easily formed TiO₂ for the tribo-chemical reaction, which accelerated wear. Moreover, GO nanofluid can form a more uniform and stable friction layer between the frictional interface, which reduces the friction coefficient and decreases the adhesive wear. The effects of different surfactants on the lubricating properties of MXene were further investigated. It was found that the cationic surfactant Hexadecyl trimethyl ammonium chloride (1631) had the lowest friction coefficient and anti-wear properties for the strong electrostatic attraction with MXene nanoparticles. The results of this study indicate that 2D nanoparticles, especially graphene oxide, could improve the lubricating properties of titanium alloys. It provides insight into the application of water-based nanofluids for difficult-to-machine materials to enhance surface quality and cutting efficiency. The developed nanofluid, which can lubricate titanium alloys, effectively has very broad applications in prospect. Full article

Neural interfaces are crucial conduits between neural tissues and external devices, enabling the recording and modulation of neural activity. However, with increasing demand, simple neural interfaces are no longer adequate to meet the requirements for precision, functionality, and safety. There are three main challenges in fabricating advanced neural interfaces: sensitivity, heat management, and biocompatibility. The electrical, chemical, and optical properties of 2D nanomaterials enhance the sensitivity of various types of neural interfaces, while the newly developed interfaces do not exhibit adverse reactions in terms of heat management and biocompatibility. Additionally, 2D nanomaterials can further improve the functionality of these interfaces, including magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) compatibility, stretchability, and drug delivery. In this review, we examine the recent applications of 2D nanomaterials in neural interfaces, focusing on their contributions to enhancing performance and functionality. Finally, we summarize the advantages and disadvantages of these nanomaterials, analyze the importance of biocompatibility testing for 2D nanomaterials, and propose that improving and developing composite material structures to enhance interface performance will continue to lead the forefront of this field. Full article

A new two-dimensional (2D) non-MXene transition metal carbide, Mo₃C₂, was found using the USPEX code. Comprehensive first-principles calculations show that the Mo₃C₂ monolayer exhibits thermal, dynamic, and mechanical stability, which can ensure excellent durability in practical applications. The optimized structures of Li_x@(3×3)-Mo₃C₂ (x = 1–36) and Na_x@(3×3)-Mo₃C₂ (x = 1–32) were identified as prospective anode materials. The metallic Mo₃C₂ sheet exhibits low diffusion barriers of 0.190 eV for Li and 0.118 eV for Na and low average open circuit voltages of 0.31–0.55 V for Li and 0.18–0.48 V for Na. When adsorbing two layers of adatoms, the theoretical energy capacities are 344 and 306 mA h g⁻¹ for Li and Na, respectively, which are comparable to that of commercial graphite. Moreover, the Mo₃C₂ substrate can maintain structural integrity during the lithiation or sodiation process at high temperature. Considering these features, our proposed Mo₃C₂ slab is a potential candidate as an anode material for future Li- and Na-ion batteries. Full article

Recently, a new class of two-dimensional (2D) materials known as MXenes, such as Ti₃C₂T_x, have received significant attention due to their exceptional structural and physiochemical properties. MXenes are widely used in a variety of applications, including sensors, due to their excellent charge transport, high catalytic, and conducive properties, making them superior materials for sensing applications. Sensing technology has attracted significant interest from the scientific community due to its wide range of applications. In particular, gas sensing technology is essential in today’s world due to its vital role in detecting various gases. Gas sensors have an essential role in real-time environmental monitoring health assessment, and the demand for air quality monitoring is driving the gas sensor market forward. Similarly, optical sensors are a related technology that can rapidly detect toxic substances and biomaterials using optical absorption spectroscopy. MXenes are highly desirable for gas and optical sensing applications due to their abundant active sites, metallic conductivity, optical properties, customizable surface chemistry, and exceptional stability. In this review article, we compile recent advancements in the development of gas sensors and optical sensors using MXenes and their composite materials. This review article would be beneficial for researchers working on the development of MXenes-based gas sensors and optical sensors. Full article

The overconsumption of fossil fuels is leading to worsening environmental damage, making the generation of clean, renewable energy an absolute necessity. Two common components of electrochemical energy storage (EES) devices are batteries and supercapacitors (SCs), which are among the most promising answers to the worldwide energy issue. In this study, we introduce an exceptionally efficient electrode material for supercapacitors, composed of a hydrothermally synthesized composite known as MnNiS@MXene. We utilized XRD, SEM, and BET to analyze the material’s crystallinity, morphology, and surface area. The Qs of MnNiS@MXene was a remarkable 1189.98 C/g or 1983.3 F/g at 2 A/g under three electrode assemblies in 1 M KOH electrolyte solution. Activated carbon was used as the negative electrode, while MnNiS@MXene served as the positive electrode in the assembled supercapattery device (MnNiS@MXene//AC). This device showed exceptional performance, a specific capacity of 307.18 C/g, a power density of 1142.61 W/kg, and an energy density of 34.79 Wh/kg. Additionally, cyclic durability was evaluated through 7000 cycles of charging/discharging, demonstrating that it maintained approximately 87.57% of its original capacity. The successful integration of these materials can lead to electrodes with superior energy storage capabilities and efficient photoelectrochemical performance. The aforementioned findings suggest that MnNiS@MXene exhibits promising potential as an electrode material for forthcoming energy storage systems. Full article

Over recent years, thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) has been widely used as a substrate material for flexible strain sensors due to its remarkable mechanical flexibility and the ease of combining various conductive materials by electrospinning. Many research advances have been made in the preparation of flexible strain sensors with better ductility, higher sensitivity, and wider sensing range by using TPU in combination with various conductive materials through electrospinning. However, there is a lack of reviews that provide a systematic and comprehensive summary and outlook of recent research advances in this area. In this review paper, the working principles of strain sensors and electrospinning technology are initially described. Subsequently, recent advances in strain sensors based on electrospun TPU are tracked and discussed, with a focus on the incorporation of various conductive fillers such as carbonaceous materials, MXene, metallic materials, and conductive polymers. Moreover, the wide range of applications of electrospun TPU flexible strain sensors is thoroughly discussed. Finally, the future prospects and challenges of electrospun TPU flexible strain sensors in various fields are pointed out. Full article

The development of modern industry will generate more and more waste containing metal ions. It is necessary to take appropriate measures to recover these ions, whether from the perspective of environmental protection or improving economic benefits. So far, scientists have studied many methods for recovering metal ions. Among these methods, adsorption and membrane separation have received widespread attention due to their own characteristics. Combining adsorption and membrane separation methods can better leverage their respective advantages to improve the ability of recovering metal ions. This review, therefore, focuses on the synergistic recovery of metal ions by adsorption and membrane separation methods. This article first briefly explains the theoretical principles of membrane separation and adsorption synergy, and then focuses on several technologies that have received attention in different chapters. In these chapters, membrane technology is briefly introduced, followed by the situation and progress of synergistic application with adsorption technology. Then, the article compares and elaborates on the advantages and disadvantages of the above technologies, and finally summarizes and looks forward to these technologies being used to solve the difficulties and challenges in industrial application. Full article

Biofilm-associated infections pose a significant challenge in healthcare, constituting 80% of bacterial infections and often leading to persistent, chronic conditions. Conventional antibiotics struggle with efficacy against these infections due to the high tolerance and resistance induced by bacterial biofilm barriers. Two-dimensional nanomaterials, such as those from the graphene family, boron nitride, molybdenum disulfide (MoS₂), MXene, and black phosphorus, hold immense potential for combating biofilms. These nanomaterial-based antimicrobial strategies are novel tools that show promise in overcoming resistant bacteria and stubborn biofilms, with the ability to circumvent existing drug resistance mechanisms. This review comprehensively summarizes recent developments in two-dimensional nanomaterials, as both therapeutics and nanocarriers for precision antibiotic delivery, with a specific focus on nanoplatforms coupled with photothermal/photodynamic therapy in the elimination of bacteria and penetrating and/or ablating biofilm. This review offers important insight into recent advances and current limitations of current antibacterial nanotherapeutic approaches, together with a discussion on future developments in the field, for the overall benefit of public health. Full article