MXenes are a group of 2D materials that are similar to graphene. However, unlike graphene, which is produced through delamination of graphite, MXene is produced by etching the MAX phase (M- transition metal, A – usually Al., X – C/N) to remove the A element. This results in the delamination of the compound and the formation of a similar 2D structure. The process of MXene formation is presented in the figure below.
Currently, our consortium is working on upscaling and developing our facility through the Horizon Europe SAFARI (2023-2027) project. We are using an acid-free water solution of fluoride salts, which is a safer and more environmentally friendly solution. Additionally, we will using the high-frequency acoustic excitation route, which is promising method for large-scale productions. It uses a low concentration of fluoride salt solution and milliseconds to produce MXenes, compared to the HF etching technique, which requires concentrated corrosive liquid and long etching periods (at least 24h). The replacement of HF with low cost, non-toxic fluoride salts significantly reduce the negative environmental impact of the process. The group, along with its collaborators, is developing methods for MXene functionalization and hybridisation in this project. In the functionalisation process, functional groups, small molecules, macromolecules, or metallic nanoparticles will be introduced onto the surface of MXenes to improve their properties, such as stability, dispersibility, conductivity and reactivity/chemical affinity with graphene. During the process it is important to maintain their high surface to thickness ratio to preserve their desirable characteristics [2]. Carboxyl, hydroxyl, amine groups or organic molecules (i.e. C12E6) or low MW polymers (i.e. PVA) will be introduced onto the MXene surface to improve its stability against oxidation.
Once the MXene has been functionalized, it will be combined with graphene (Gr) to create a hybrid material with improved properties and aligned to SSbD principles. Gr is a 2D material that has excellent mechanical, electrical, and thermal properties with a well-studied toxicity and eco-toxicity profile. By hybridizing MXenes with Gr, it is possible to create materials with combined properties, such as high electrical conductivity, high mechanical strength, and excellent stability.
The MXene single layer produced by Łukasiewicz-PIT is shown in the figure on the right.
MXenes find wide application, including high-sensitivity sensing, due to the large number of active surface sites. MXenes are intended for use in various fields, including wearable sensors (such as motion detection and home monitoring), gas sensors (such as gait monitoring and detection of harmful gases), optical sensors (such as optical fiber nanosensors), biosensors for detecting specific biomolecules, and electrochemical sensors (usually for identifying biomarkers and pollutants). Within the Horizon Europe SAFARI (2023-2027) project, Łukasiewicz-PIT is developing novel generation MXene-based sensors. The figure on the right shows examples of literature applications.
Project Title
SAFE AND SUSTAINABLE BY DESIGN
GRAPHENE/MXENES HYBRIDS
HORIZON-CL4-2023-DIGITAL-EMERGING-01-32 –
Sustainable safe-by-design 2D materials technology (RIA)
Lucasiewicz – PIT
Coordinator:
Dariusz Garbiec
dariusz.garbiec@pit.lukasiewicz.gov.pl
Management:
Agnieszka Osipiuk
agnieszka.osipiuk@pit.lukasiewicz.gov.pl
Funded by the European Union under GA number 101135965. Views and options expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.
Funded by the European Union under GA number 101135965. Views and options expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held resonsible for them.
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