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Abstract Here we report for the first time that Ti 3 C 2 T x /polymer composite films rapidly heat when exposed to low-power radio frequency fields. Ti 3 C 2 T x MXenes possess a high dielectric loss tangent, which is correlated with this rapid heating under electromagnetic fields. Thermal imaging confirms that these structures are capable of extraordinary heating rates (as high as 303 K/s) that are frequency- and concentration-dependent. At high loading (and high conductivity), Ti 3 C 2 T x MXene composites do not heat under RF fields due to reflection of electromagnetic waves, whereas composites with low conductivity do not heat due to the lack of an electrical percolating network. Composites with an intermediate loading and a conductivity between 10–1000 S m −1 rapidly generate heat under RF fields. This finding unlocks a new property of Ti 3 C 2 T x MXenes and a new material for potential RF-based applications. 

Ti₃C₂T_xbelongs to the family of MXenes, 2D materials with an attractive combination of functional properties suitable for applications such as batteries, supercapacitors, and strain sensors. However, the fabrication of devices and functional coatings based on Ti₃C₂T_xremains challenging as they are prone to chemical degradation by their oxidation to TiO₂. In this paper, we examine the oxidation of Ti₃C₂T_xin air, liquid, and solid media via conductivity measurements to assess the shelf life of Ti₃C₂T_xMXenes. The oxidation of Ti₃C₂T_xwas observed in all the media used in this study, but it is fastest in liquid media and slowest in solid media (including polymer matrices). We also show that the conventional indicators of MXene oxidation, such as changes in color and colloidal stability, are not always reliable. Finally, we demonstrate the acceleration of oxidation under exposure to UV light.

 

The chemical stability of 2D MXene nanosheets in aqueous dispersions must be maintained to foster their widespread application. MXene nanosheets react with water, which results in the degradation of their 2D structure into oxides and carbon residues. The latter detrimentally restricts the shelf life of MXene dispersions and devices. However, the mechanism of MXene degradation in aqueous environment has yet to be fully understood. In this work, the oxidation kinetics is investigated of Ti₃C₂T_xand Ti₂CT_xin aqueous media as a function of initial pH values, ionic strengths, and nanosheet concentrations. The pH value of the dispersion is found to change with time as a result of MXene oxidation. Specifically, MXene oxidation is accelerated in basic media by their reaction with hydroxyl anions. It is also demonstrated that oxidation kinetics are strongly dependent on nanosheet dispersion concentration, in which oxidation is accelerated for lower MXene concentrations. Ionic strength does not strongly affect MXene oxidation. The authors also report that citric acid acts as an effective antioxidant and mitigates the oxidation of both Ti₃C₂T_xand Ti₂CT_xMXenes. Reactive molecular dynamic simulations suggest that citric acid associates with the nanosheet edge to hinder the initiation of oxidation.