New Research Offers Solution to Extend Shelf Life of MXenes

Researchers have found a solution to the problem of rapid deterioration in the performance and shelf life of MXenes, a family of two-dimensional transition metal carbides and nitrides with unique properties and potential applications in various fields. The solution involves exposing oxidized MXene films to brief high-frequency electromechanical vibrations, effectively removing the oxide layer and allowing the electrical and electrochemical performance to be recovered. This finding is significant as MXenes have been found to be useful for a variety of applications, including energy storage, electromagnetic interference shielding, and water purification, among others. 

MXenes are derived from a family of compounds called MAX phases, which are ternary carbides and nitrides. They have a high surface area, high conductivity, and are flexible, robust, and thermally stable. However, their susceptibility to oxidative degradation has limited their practical utility, particularly when longer-term operation is sought. Various methods have been attempted to extend the shelf life of MXenes, but the recent study by researchers provides a simple and quick method of recovering and restoring oxidized MXenes, opening up new possibilities for their practical applications.The study conducted by researchers focused on a range of Ti-based MXene samples synthesized using the liquid exfoliation method. The samples were exposed to either humid air or aqueous environments, and their oxidative degradation was then monitored over several hours to days. The formation of oxides like (TiO2) on the surface of the MXene samples was analyzed using various characterization techniques, including X-Ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, and transmission electron microscopy. To prolong the shelf life of MXenes, the researchers evaluated various methods for improving their oxidative stability, including storing the MXene samples in hermetically-sealed containers at low temperatures and using various chemical treatments and annealing processes to delay the oxidation kinetics. The effectiveness of these methods was evaluated by analyzing the samples before and after treatment using the aforementioned characterization techniques. The researchers found that exposing MXenes to a hydrazine hydrate solution was an effective method for recovering and restoring oxidized MXenes. This method involves reducing the oxide layer on the material's surface, resulting in a significant improvement in the electrochemical performance of the MXenes and an extension of their shelf life. The researchers also found that the recovered MXenes maintained their structural integrity and showed no signs of damage or degradation. Keeping all these in mind, the recent cutting edge study by researchers offers a promising solution to the issue of rapid deterioration in the performance and shelf life of MXenes. The finding could extend the practical applicability of MXenes in various fields, including energy storage, electromagnetic interference shielding, and water purification, among others. The recovery method offers a simple and quick way to restore oxidized MXenes, allowing for longer-term operation and improved performance in practical environments.

Reference:

Ahmed, H., Alijani, H., El-Ghazaly, A., Halim, J., Murdoch, B. J., Ehrnst, Y., ... & Yeo, L. Y. (2023). Recovery of oxidized two-dimensional MXenes through high frequency nanoscale electromechanical vibration. Nature Communications, 14(1), 3. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-022-34699-3