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Abstract Transparent microelectrode arrays have proven useful in neural sensing, offering a clear interface for monitoring brain activity without compromising high spatial and temporal resolution. The current landscape of transparent electrode technology faces challenges in developing durable, highly transparent electrodes while maintaining low interface impedance and prioritizing scalable processing and fabrication methods. To address these limitations, we introduce artifact‐resistant transparent MXene microelectrode arrays optimized for high spatiotemporal resolution recording of neural activity. With 60% transmittance at 550 nm, these arrays enable simultaneous imaging and electrophysiology for multimodal neural mapping. Electrochemical characterization shows low impedance of 563 ± 99 kΩ at 1 kHz and a charge storage capacity of 58 mC cm⁻² without chemical doping. In vivo experiments in rodent models demonstrate the transparent arrays' functionality and performance. In a rodent model of chemically‐induced epileptiform activity, we tracked ictal wavefronts via calcium imaging while simultaneously recording seizure onset. In the rat barrel cortex, we recorded multi‐unit activity across cortical depths, showing the feasibility of recording high‐frequency electrophysiological activity. The transparency and optical absorption properties of Ti₃C₂Tx MXene microelectrodes enable high‐quality recordings and simultaneous light‐based stimulation and imaging without contamination from light‐induced artifacts. 

Abstract MAX phases, ternary transition metal carbides and nitrides, represent one of the largest families of layered materials. They also serve as precursors to MXenes, two‐dimensional (2D) carbides and nitrides. The possibility of oxygen substitution in the carbon sublattice, forming oxycarbide MAX phases and MXenes, was recently reported using secondary ion mass spectrometry. However, while the effect of oxygen substitution on the properties of MXenes was investigated, little is known about its effect on the properties of MAX phases. Here, we explore the influence of process parameters (e.g., particle size, synthesis temperature, annealing time, etc.) and oxygen presence in the lattice on the oxidation resistance of Ti₃AlC₂MAX phase powders. We show that X‐ray diffraction measurements can identify oxygen substitution and assist in selecting MAX precursors to synthesize stable and highly conductive MXenes. Eliminating the substitutional oxygen from the MAX phase lattice increases the onset of oxidation by 400°C, from approximately 490 to 890°C. Finally, we discuss the impact of oxygen substitution in the MAX phases on the synthesis of MXenes and their resulting properties. 

Abstract MXenes are promising passive components that enable lithium‐sulfur batteries (LSBs) by effectively trapping lithium polysulfides (LiPSs) and facilitating surface‐mediated redox reactions. Despite numerous studies highlighting the potential of MXenes in LSBs, there are no systematic studies of MXenes’ composition influence on polysulfide adsorption, which is foundational to their applications in LSB. Here, a comprehensive investigation of LiPS adsorption on seven MXenes with varying chemistries (Ti₂CT_x, Ti₃C₂T_x, Ti₃CNT_x, Mo₂TiC₂T_x, V₂CT_x, Nb₂CT_x, and Nb₄C₃T_x), utilizing optical and analytical spectroscopic methods is performed. This work reports on the influence of polysulfide concentration, interaction time, and MXenes’ chemistry (transition metal layer, carbide and carbonitride inner layer, surface terminations and structure) on the amount of adsorbed LiPSs and the adsorption mechanism. These findings reveal the formation of insoluble thiosulfate and polythionate complex species on the surfaces of all tested MXenes. Furthermore, the selective adsorption of lithium and sulfur, and the extent of conversion of the adsorbed species on MXenes varied based on their chemistry. For instance, Ti₂CT_xexhibits a strong tendency to adsorb lithium ions, while Mo₂TiC₂T_xis effective in trapping sulfur by forming long‐chain polythionates. The latter demonstrates a significant conversion of intermediate polysulfides into low‐order species. This study offers valuable guidance for the informed selection of MXenes in various functional components benefiting the future development of high‐performance LSBs. 

Abstract In this work, Ti₃C₂T_xMXene was investigated as a nanofluidic anolyte additive in vanadium redox flow batteries to improve the sluggish kinetics of V²⁺/V³⁺redox reaction. Numerous electrochemical tests under flow and static conditions were performed to demonstrate the effectiveness of MXenes for VRFB applications. Pressure drop tests and morphology analysis were also conducted to better understand the hydraulic effects of MXene addition into the anolyte. The nanofluidic anolytes with the concentration of 0.10 and 0.15 wt% showed the best electrochemical performance, although the former induced less aggravated hydraulic effects within a reasonable pressure drop range. At a current density of 200 mA cm⁻², the nanofluidic analyte containing 0.10 wt% MXene was able to utilize 67 % of the theoretical capacity. Contrarily, with the pristine anolyte, only 10 % of the theoretical capacity could be utilized due to excessive losses. Moreover, the energy efficiency up to 74 % is observed for the nanofluidic electrolyte, which is an increase of 25 % compared to the pristine anolyte. Primarily, the enhanced battery performance was attributed to the improved electrocatalytic activity towards the anodic V²⁺/V³⁺redox reaction. Furthermore, a dynamic, web‐like, flowing electrode network is shown to increase the mass transport capacity of porous carbon felt electrodes by creating additional, abundant, and electrochemically active surfaces within the pores.