Self-Healing MXene- and Graphene-Based Composites: Properties and Applications

Abstract

Today, self-healing graphene- and MXene-based composites have attracted researchers due to the increase in durability as well as the cost reduction in long-time applications. Different studies have focused on designing novel self-healing graphene- and MXene-based composites with enhanced sensitivity, stretchability, and flexibility as well as improved electrical conductivity, healing efficacy, mechanical properties, and energy conversion efficacy. These composites with self-healing properties can be employed in the field of wearable sensors, supercapacitors, anticorrosive coatings, electromagnetic interference shielding, electronic-skin, soft robotics, etc. However, it appears that more explorations are still needed to achieve composites with excellent arbitrary shape adaptability, suitable adhesiveness, ideal durability, high stretchability, immediate self-healing responsibility, and outstanding electromagnetic features. Besides, optimizing reaction/synthesis conditions and finding suitable strategies for functionalization/modification are crucial aspects that should be comprehensively investigated. MXenes and graphene exhibited superior electrochemical properties with abundant surface terminations and great surface area, which are important to evolve biomedical and sensing applications. However, flexibility and stretchability are important criteria that need to be improved for their future applications. Herein, the most recent advancements pertaining to the applications and properties of self-healing graphene- and MXene-based composites are deliberated, focusing on crucial challenges and future perspectives.

Role of MXenes in advancing soft robotics

“…By utilizing the self-healing properties of MXenes, the lifespan and functionality of wearable devices and soft robots can be significantly improved, since they can repair themselves in response to damage or wear. 108–111…”

“…In addition, MXene-based materials can experience reduced mechanical strength or fatigue over time, especially when subjected to repetitive or cyclic loading; this limitation can impact the longevity and reliability of soft robotic devices. 109 Thus, researchers have focused on designing novel MXene-based materials with improved stretchability and flexibility. For instance, MXene-based composites with excellent stretchability have been introduced for use in hydrogel sensors, which are relevant to soft robotics and wearable electronics.…”

Smart healable polyurethanes: sustainable problem solvers based on constitutional dynamic chemistry

“…24 Based on their functional features, healable PU elastomers hold great promise for soft electronics. As far as we know, a typical approach developed to fabricate healable electronics involves embedding a network of conductive fillers, such as liquid metal, 127,128 ionic liquid, 129,130 graphene, 131 MXene, 132 metal-based nanowire, 133,134 carbon nanotubes, 135 etc. into a healable PU elastomer.…”

MXene-based wearable supercapacitors and their transformative impact on healthcare

“…[10][11][12] Among the introduced materials, MXenes have a wide range of unique thermal, optical, mechanical, and electronic properties that make them attractive for various applications, including energy storage, catalysis, drug delivery, tissue engineering, cancer theranostics, sensing, and water purification. [13][14][15][16] These twodimensional (2D) materials with exceptional conductivity and volumetric capacitance as well as tunable properties and chemical versatility are promising candidates for developing supercapacitors. Indeed, the use of MXenes in wearable supercapacitors has garnered immense research interest with emphasis on their development encompassing a higher efficiency and performance in wearable electronics (Fig.…”