Tracking the Explosive Boiling Dynamics at the Alcohol/MXene Interface

Abstract

We demonstrate the real-time tracking of explosive boiling dynamics at the alcohol/MXene interface by monitoring the photoinduced lattice dynamics of MXene nanosheets dispersed in different alcohols. As revealed by ultrafast spectroscopy, the explosive boiling experiences three cascading stages, i.e., the starting initiation (0–1 ns), the following phase explosion (1–6 ns), and the eventual termination (>6 ns). More importantly, the occurrence conditions of explosive boiling are rationally evaluated via photothermal modeling, echoing well to our experimental observations and further suggesting that ∼17–25 layers of alcohol molecules undergo phase transition from liquid to vapor, a result that can hardly be attained by other physicochemical means. Additionally, useful insights into thermal conduction/diffusion and transient acoustic pressure related to the early stage of explosive boiling are provided. This paradigmatic study enriches the fundamental understanding (on a microscopic level) about the elusive dynamics of explosive boiling at the liquid–solid interface.

Interface Catalysts of Ni3Fe1 Layered Double Hydroxide and Titanium Carbide for High-Performance Water Oxidation in Alkaline and Natural Conditions

“…Pioneered by Gogotsi and co-workers, MXenes, a novel family of transition metal carbides/nitrides/carbonitrides, have attracted significant research interest for their potential energy-related applications, particularly in supercapacitors and batteries. − An MXene has a general formula of M n +1 X n T x , where M represents an early transition metal; X is carbon or nitrogen; and T stands for functional groups such as −OH, −O, −Cl, and −F. MXenes are particularly well-suited for energy and catalytic applications due to their high electron conductivity and highly hydrophilic surfaces, with the Ti 3 C 2 T x analogue being particularly well-regarded as a promising candidate to support metallic electrocatalysts. − Recently, Yue et al successfully immobilized NiCoP on Ti 3 C 2 T x nanosheets through an in situ interface-growth strategy combined with subsequent phosphorization, by virtue of the rich functional groups on the Ti 3 C 2 T x surface .…”