Comb-type polymer-hybridized MXene nanosheets dispersible in arbitrary polar, nonpolar, and ionic solvents

Abstract

Solution-based processing of two-dimensional (2D) nanomaterials is highly desirable, especially for the low-temperature large-area fabrication of flexible multifunctional devices. MXenes, an emerging family of 2D materials composed of transition metal carbides, carbonitrides, or nitrides, provide excellent electrical and electrochemical properties through aqueous processing. Here, we further expand the horizon of MXene processing by introducing a polymeric superdispersant for MXene nanosheets. Segmented anchor-spacer structures of a comb-type polymer, polycarboxylate ether (PCE), provide polymer grafting–like steric spacings over the van der Waals range of MXene surfaces, thereby reducing the colloidal interactions by the order of 10 3 , regardless of solvent. An unprecedented broad dispersibility window for Ti 3 C 2 T x MXene, covering polar, nonpolar, and even ionic solvents, was achieved. Furthermore, close PCE entanglements in MXene@PCE composite films resulted in highly robust properties upon prolonged mechanical and humidity stresses.

Applications of MXenes in human-like sensors and actuators

“…Indeed, compound structures [376,377] analogous to MXene have been synthesized by chemical vapor deposition. Second, the solution processing of MXene [92] becomes promising for mass production of nanosheets in dispersions [378]. The MXene quantum dots [100] are efficient photoluminescent materials for near-infrared images [108].…”

“…The MXene quantum dots [100] are efficient photoluminescent materials for near-infrared images [108]. Besides, the long-term stability of MXene-based aqueous solutions or dispersion could be improved by polymer hybridization [379] and surface engineering [93,378] without oxidation [95]. Indeed, printed electronics require the long durability of MXene-based inks [119] for reducing manufacturing costs and maintaining the uniformity of fabricated films.…”

Two-Dimensional Janus MXene Inks for Versatile Functional Coatings on Arbitrary Substrates

“…Through such approaches, it is possible to transform the hydrophilic MXene to hydrophobic and disperse it in specific organic solvents. However, highly concentrated MXene nonpolar dispersions have not been achieved and each surface modification can only provide a narrow stable dispersibility duration because the kinetics of the dispersion process relies on the balance of thermodynamic interactions. , In other words, exploring effective strategies to broaden the dispersion duration at a high concentration of MXene to achieve large-scale manufacturing of flexible electronic devices is highly in need . The formation of the Janus structure allows for the combination of materials with different properties, facilitating the realization of versatile functions and the expansion of multiple applications.…”

Carbon Nanocoils/Carbon Foam as the Dynamically Frequency‐Tunable Microwave Absorbers with an Ultrawide Tuning Range and Absorption Bandwidth

“…[1][2][3][4][5] Over the past years, abundant investigation on MAMs has been conducted to try to understand the intrinsic loss mechanism and improve their EM absorption performance. [6][7][8][9][10] The multitudinous MAMs with excellent absorption bandwidths typically lower than 2 GHz. [34] It follows that there exist various problems for these methods to adjust the effective absorption frequency of MAMs, mainly including the narrow frequency tuning range, complex technological process, and incompatibility between the frequency regulation and the wave absorption properties.…”

“…[ 1–5 ] Over the past years, abundant investigation on MAMs has been conducted to try to understand the intrinsic loss mechanism and improve their EM absorption performance. [ 6–10 ] The multitudinous MAMs with excellent characteristics are ferreted out and can be classified into broad categories as dielectric loss materials, [ 11–13 ] magnetic loss material, [ 14–16 ] chiral materials, [ 17–19 ] and metamaterials. [ 20,21 ] Thereinto, some material systems with ingenious designs have nearly satisfied the high‐specification using needs, namely thin coating, light weight, wide bandwidth, and strong absorption.…”