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Abstract 2D material hydrogels have recently sparked tremendous interest owing to their potential in diverse applications. However, research on the emerging 2D MXene hydrogels is still in its infancy. Herein, we show a universal 4D printing technology for manufacturing MXene hydrogels with customizable geometries, which suits a family of MXenes such as Nb 2 CT x , Ti 3 C 2 T x , and Mo 2 Ti 2 C 3 T x . The obtained MXene hydrogels offer 3D porous architectures, large specific surface areas, high electrical conductivities, and satisfying mechanical properties. Consequently, ultrahigh capacitance (3.32 F cm −2 (10 mV s −1 ) and 233 F g −1 (10 V s −1 )) and mass loading/thickness-independent rate capabilities are achieved. The further 4D-printed Ti 3 C 2 T x hydrogel micro-supercapacitors showcase great low-temperature tolerance (down to –20 °C) and deliver high energy and power densities up to 93 μWh cm −2 and 7 mW cm −2 , respectively, surpassing most state-of-the-art devices. This work brings new insights into MXene hydrogel manufacturing and expands the range of their potential applications.
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This content will become publicly available on August 1, 2026
Characterization of MXene‐Based Materials by X‐Ray Computed Tomography
Abstract MXenes are a class of 2D materials that have gained significant attention for their potential applications in energy storage, electromagnetic interference shielding, biomedicine, and (opto)electronics. Despite their broad range of applications, a detailed understanding of the internal architecture of MXene‐based materials remains limited due to the lack of effective 3D imaging techniques. This work demonstrates the application of X‐ray micro‐computed tomography (micro‐CT) to investigate various MXene systems, including nanocomposites, coated textiles, and aerogels. Micro‐CT enables high‐resolution, 3D visualization of the internal microstructure, MXene distribution, infiltration patterns, and defect formations, which significantly influence the material's performance. Moreover, the typical technical challenges and limitations encountered during sample preparation, scanning, and post‐processing of micro‐CT data are discussed. The information obtained from optical and electron microscopy is also compared with micro‐CT, highlighting the unique advantages of micro‐CT in providing comprehensive 3D imaging and quantitative data. This study highlights micro‐CT as a powerful and nondestructive imaging tool for characterizing MXene‐based materials, providing insights into material optimization and guidelines for developing future advanced applications.
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- Award ID(s):
- 2216175
- PAR ID:
- 10638496
- Publisher / Repository:
- Wiley www.small-methods.com
- Date Published:
- Journal Name:
- Small Methods
- Volume:
- 9
- Issue:
- 8
- ISSN:
- 2366-9608
- Format(s):
- Medium: X
- Sponsoring Org:
- National Science Foundation
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