Process Safety Analysis for Ti3C2Tx MXene Synthesis and Processing

Comprehensive synthesis of Ti3C2Tx from MAX phase to MXene

MXenes are a large family of two-dimensional materials that have attracted attention across many fields due to their desirable optoelectronic, biological, mechanical and chemical properties. There currently exist many synthesis procedures that lead to differences in flake size, defects and surface chemistry, which in turn affect their properties. Herein, we describe the steps to synthesize Ti3C2Tx-the most important and widely used MXene, from a Ti3AlC2 MAX phase precursor. The procedure contains three main sections: synthesis of Ti3AlC2 MAX, wet chemical etching of the MAX in hydrofluoric acid/HCl solution to yield multilayer Ti3C2Tx and its delamination into single-layer flakes. Three delamination options are described; these use LiCl, tertiary amines (tetramethyl ammonium hydroxide/ tetrabutyl ammonium hydroxide) and dimethylsulfoxide respectively. These procedures can be adapted for the synthesis of MXenes beyond Ti3C2Tx. The MAX phase synthesis takes about 1 week, with the etching and delamination each requiring 2 d. This protocol requires users to have experience working with hydrofluoric acid, and it is recommended that users have experience with wet chemistry and centrifugation; characterization techniques such as X-ray diffraction and particle size analysis are also essential for the success of the protocol. While alternative synthesis methods, such as minimally intensive layer delamination, are desirable for certain MXenes (such as Ti2CTx) or specific applications, this protocol aims to standardize the more commonly used hydrofluoric acid/HCl etching method, which produces Ti3C2Tx with minimal concentration of defects and the highest conductivity and serves as a guideline for those working with MXenes for the first time.

Interfacial Engineering of Ti3C2Tx MXene Electrode Using g-C3N4 Nanosheets for High-Performance Supercapacitor in Neutral Electrolyte

The superior performance of the Ti3C2Tx (MXene)-based supercapacitor in acidic electrolytes has recently gained much interest in the energy storage community. Nevertheless, its performance in most neutral electrolytes is unfavorably low, plausibly due to limited ion diffusion between the MXene layers. Herein, protonated g-C3N4 (pg-C3N4) is incorporated into the Ti3C2Tx electrode by using a facile self-assembling process and annealing, which results in increased interlayer d-spacing and electrical conductivity of the composite electrode. As a result, the annealed Ti3C2Tx/pg-C3N4 film revealed an enhanced ion-accessibility and gravimetric capacitance of 140 F g-1 in 1 M aqueous MgSO4 electrolyte. The cyclic stability test also indicates excellent capacitance retention, with negligible loss of capacitance over 10000 cycles.

A review on MOFs synthesis and effect of their structural characteristics for hydrogen adsorption

Climate change is causing a rise in the need to transition from fossil fuels to renewable and clean energy such as hydrogen as a sustainable energy source. The issue with hydrogen's practical storage, however, prevents it from being widely used as an energy source. Current solutions, such as liquefied and compressed hydrogen storage, are insufficient to meet the U.S. Department of Energy's (US DOE) extensive on-board application requirements. Thus, a backup strategy involving material-based storage is required. Metal organic frameworks (MOFs) belong to the category of crystalline porous materials that have seen rapid interest in the field of energy storage due to their large surface area, high pore volume, and modifiable structure. Therefore, advanced technologies employed in the construction of MOFs, such as solvothermal, mechanochemical, microwave assisted, and sonochemical methods are reviewed. Finally, this review discussed the selected factors and structural characteristics of MOFs, which affect the hydrogen capacity.

Annealing Ti3C2Tz MXenes to Control Surface Chemistry and Friction

Although surface terminations (such as ═O, -Cl, -F, and -OH) on MXene nanosheets strongly influence their functional properties, synthesis of MXenes with desired types and distribution of those terminations is still challenging. Here, it is demonstrated that thermal annealing helps in removing much of the terminal groups of molten salt-etched multilayered (ML) Ti3C2Tz. In this study, the chloride terminations of molten salt-etched ML-Ti3C2Tz were removed via thermal annealing at increased temperatures under an inert (argon) atmosphere. This thermal annealing created some bare sites available for further functionalization of Ti3C2Tz. XRD, EDS, and XPS measurements confirm the removal of much of the terminal groups of ML-Ti3C2Tz. Here, the annealed ML-Ti3C2Tz was refunctionalized by -OH groups and 3-aminopropyl triethoxysilane (APTES), which was confirmed by FTIR. The -OH and APTES surface-modified ML-Ti3C2Tz are evaluated as a solid lubricant, exhibiting ∼70.1 and 66.7% reduction in friction compared to a steel substrate, respectively. This enhanced performance is attributed to the improved interaction or adhesion of functionalized ML-Ti3C2Tz with the substrate material. This approach allows for the effective surface modification of MXenes and control of their functional properties.

Inorganic Hydrogel Based on Low-Dimensional Nanomaterials

Composed of three-dimensional (3D) nanoscale inorganic bones and up to 99% water, inorganic hydrogels have attracted much attention and undergone significant growth in recent years. The basic units of inorganic hydrogels could be metal nanoparticles, metal nanowires, SiO2 nanowires, graphene nanosheets, and MXene nanosheets, which are then assembled into the special porous structures by the sol-gel process or gelation via either covalent or noncovalent interactions. The high electrical and thermal conductivity, resistance to corrosion, stability across various temperatures, and high surface area make them promising candidates for diverse applications, such as energy storage, catalysis, adsorption, sensing, and solar steam generation. Besides, some interesting derivatives, such as inorganic aerogels and xerogels, can be produced through further processing, diversifying their functionalities and application domains greatly. In this context, we primarily provide a comprehensive overview of the current status of inorganic hydrogels and their derivatives, including the structures of inorganic hydrogels with various compositions, their gelation mechanisms, and their exceptional practical performance in fields related to energy and environmental applications.

Future prospects of MXenes: synthesis, functionalization, properties, and application in field effect transistors

MXenes are a family of two-dimensional (2D) materials that have drawn a lot of interest recently because of their distinctive characteristics and possible uses in a variety of industries. This review emphasizes the bright future prospects of MXene materials in the realm of FETs. Their remarkable properties, coupled with their tunability and compatibility, position MXenes as promising candidates for the development of high-performance electronic devices. As research in this field continues to evolve, the potential of MXenes to drive innovation in electronics becomes increasingly evident, fostering excitement for their role in shaping the future of electronic technology. This paper presents a comprehensive overview of MXene materials, focusing on their synthesis methods, functionalization strategies, intrinsic properties, and their promising application in Field Effect Transistors (FETs).

Large-scale production of MXenes as nanoknives for antibacterial application

Antimicrobial resistance of existing antibacterial agents has become a pressing issue for human health and demands effective antimicrobials beyond conventional antibacterial mechanisms. Two-dimensional (2D) nanomaterials have attracted considerable interest for this purpose. However, obtaining a high yield of 2D nanomaterials with a designed morphology for effective antibacterial activity remains exceptionally challenging. In this study, an efficient one-step mechanical exfoliation (ECO-ME) method has been developed for rapidly preparing Ti3C2 MXenes with a concentration of up to 30 mg mL-1. This synthetic pathway involving mechanical force endows E-Ti3C2 MXene prepared by the ECO-ME method with numerous irregular sharp edges, resulting in a unique nanoknife effect that can successfully disrupt the bacterial cell wall, demonstrating better antibacterial activity than the MXenes prepared by conventional wet chemical etching methods. Overall, this study provides a simple and effective method for preparing MXenes on a large scale, and its antibacterial effects demonstrate great potential for E-Ti3C2 in environmental and biomedical applications.

MXenes - Versatile 2D materials for identification of biomarkers and contaminants in large scale environments - A review

Recent years have seen a lot of interest in transition metal carbides/carbonitrides (MXenes), Which is one of newly proliferating two-dimensional (2D) materials.The advantages and applications of synthesizing MXenes-based biosensing systems are interesting. There is an urgent requirement for synthesis of MXenes. Through foliation, physical adsorption, and interface modification,it has been proposed that many biological disorders are related to genetic mutation. Majority of mutations were discovered to be nucleotide mismatches. Consequently, accurate -nucleotide mismatched discrimination is crucial for both diagnosing and treating diseases. To differentiate between such a sensitivealterations in the DNA duplex, several detection methods, particularly Electrochemical-luminescence (ECL) ones, have really been investigated.M_n+1X_nT_x is common name for MXenes, a novel family of two-dimensional (2D) transition metal carbides, nitrides, and carbonitrides, where T stands for interface termination units (i.e. = O, OH, and/or F). These electronic characteristics of MXenes may be changed between conductive to semiconducting due to abundant organometallic chemistry.Solid-state ECL sensors predicated on MXene would provide the facile nucleotide detection and convenience for usage with minimal training, mobility and possibly minimal cost.This study emphasizes upcoming requirements and possibilities in this area while describing the accomplishments achieved in the usage and employing of MXenes in the research and development of facile biomarkerdetection and their significance in designing electrochemical sensors. Opportunities are addressed for creating 2D MXene materials sensors and devices with incorporated biomolecule sensing. MXenes Carry out this process sensors, address the advantages of using MXenes and their variants as detecting materials for gathering different types of data, and attempt to clarify the design principles and operation of related MXene-based sensors, such as nucleotide detection, Single nucleotide detectors, Cancer theranostics, Biosensing capabilities, Gliotoxin detection, SARS-COV-2 nucleocapsid detection, electrochemical sensors, visual sensors, and humidity sensors. Finally, we examine the major issues and prospects for MXene-based materials used in various sensing applications.

Advanced growth of 2D MXene for electrochemical sensors

Over the last few years, electroanalysis has made significant advancements, particularly in developing electrochemical sensors. Electrochemical sensors generally include emerging Photoelectrochemical and Electrochemiluminescence sensors, which combine optical techniques and traditional electrochemical bio/non-biosensors. Numerous EC-detecting methods have also been designed for commercial applications to detect biological and non-biological markers for various diseases. Analytical applications have recently focused significantly on one of the novel nanomaterials, the MXene. This material is being extensively investigated for applications in electrochemical sensors due to its unique mechanical, electronic, optical, active functional groups and thermal characteristics. This study extensively discusses the salient features of MXene-based electrochemical sensors, photoelectrochemical sensors, enzyme-based biosensors, immunosensors, aptasensors, electrochemiluminescence sensors, and electrochemical non-biosensors. In addition, their performance in detecting various substances and contaminants is thoroughly discussed. Furthermore, the challenges and prospects the MXene-based electrochemical sensors are elaborated.

Enhanced Yield of Large-Sized Ti3C2Tx MXene Polymers Nanosheets via Cyclic Ultrasonic-Centrifugal Separation

Water pollution has spurred the development of membrane separation technology as a potential means of solving the issue. In contrast to the irregular and asymmetric holes that are easily made during the fabrication of organic polymer membranes, forming regular transport channels is essential. This necessitates the use of large-size, two-dimensional materials that can enhance membrane separation performance. However, some limitations regarding yield are associated with preparing large-sized MXene polymer-based nanosheets, which restrict their large-scale application. Here, we propose a combination of wet etching and cyclic ultrasonic-centrifugal separation to meet the needs of the large-scale production of MXene polymers nanosheets. It was found that the yield of large-sized Ti3C2Tx MXene polymers nanosheets reached 71.37%, which was 2.14 times and 1.77 times higher than that prepared with continuous ultrasonication for 10 min and 60 min, respectively. The size of the Ti3C2Tx MXene polymers nanosheets was maintained at the micron level with the help of the cyclic ultrasonic-centrifugal separation technology. In addition, certain advantages of water purification were evident due to the possibility of attaining the pure water flux of 36.5 kg m−2 h−1 bar−1 for the Ti3C2Tx MXene membrane prepared with cyclic ultrasonic-centrifugal separation. This simple method provided a convenient way for the scale-up production of Ti3C2Tx MXene polymers nanosheets.

Advances in the Chemical Stabilization of MXenes

MXenes are 2D nanomaterials with a wide array of possible compositions; they feature a unique combination of properties such as high electrical conductivity, hydrophilicity, and colloidal stability which makes them attractive for a variety of applications. However, the shelf life and industrial utility of MXenes face challenges due to their tendency to oxidize and disintegrate, particularly in dispersions. Thus, it is crucial to find effective ways to ensure the degradation stability of MXenes. This feature article reviews the key factors affecting the degradation of MXenes such as pH, concentration of the dispersion, humidity, and storage temperature. In addition, we review our group's progress in mitigating the degradation of MXenes such as low-temperature storage, the use of antioxidants, and thermal annealing, particularly for Ti3C2Tz. These simple approaches may allow for applications of MXenes on a commercial scale.

Ti3C2 MXene Membranes for Gas Separation: Influence of Heat Treatment Conditions on D-Spacing and Surface Functionalization

Two-dimensional (2D) MXene materials have recently been the focus of membrane research due to their unique properties, such as their single-atomic-layer thickness, flexibility, molecular filtration abilities and microstructural similarities with graphene, which is currently the most efficient precursor material for gas separation applications. In addition, the potential to process nanoscale channels has motivated investigations of parameters which can improve membrane permeability and selectivity. Interlayer spacing and defects, which are still challenging to control, are among the most crucial parameters for membrane performance. Herein, the effect of heat treatment on the d-spacing of MXene nanosheets and the surface functionalization of nanolayers was shown regarding its impact on the gas diffusion mechanism. The distance of the layers was reduced by a factor of over 10 from 0.345 nm to 0.024 nm, the defects were reduced, and the surface functionalization was maintained upon treatment of the Ti₃C₂ membrane at 500 °C under an Ar/H₂ atmosphere as compared to 80 °C under vacuum. This led to a change from Knudsen diffusion to molecular sieving, as demonstrated by single-gas permeation tests at room temperature. Overall, this work shows a simple and promising way to improve H₂/CO₂ selectivity via temperature treatment under a controlled atmosphere.

A Review on MXene Synthesis, Stability, and Photocatalytic Applications

Photocatalytic water splitting, CO₂ reduction, and pollutant degradation have emerged as promising strategies to remedy the existing environmental and energy crises. However, grafting of expensive and less abundant noble-metal cocatalysts on photocatalyst materials is a mandatory practice to achieve enhanced photocatalytic performance owing to the ability of the cocatalysts to extract electrons efficiently from the photocatalyst and enable rapid/enhanced catalytic reaction. Hence, developing highly efficient, inexpensive, and noble-metal-free cocatalysts composed of earth-abundant elements is considered as a noteworthy step toward considering photocatalysis as a more economical strategy. Recently, MXenes (two-dimensional (2D) transition-metal carbides, nitrides, and carbonitrides) have shown huge potential as alternatives for noble-metal cocatalysts. MXenes have several excellent properties, including atomically thin 2D morphology, metallic electrical conductivity, hydrophilic surface, and high specific surface area. In addition, they exhibit Gibbs free energy of intermediate H atom adsorption as close to zero and less than that of a commercial Pt-based cocatalyst, a Fermi level position above the H₂ generation potential, and an excellent ability to capture and activate CO₂ molecules. Therefore, there is a growing interest in MXene-based photocatalyst materials for various photocatalytic events. In this review, we focus on the recent advances in the synthesis of MXenes with 2D and 0D morphologies, the stability of MXenes, and MXene-based photocatalysts for H₂ evolution, CO₂ reduction, and pollutant degradation. The existing challenges and the possible future directions to enhance the photocatalytic performance of MXene-based photocatalysts are also discussed.

Exfoliation, delamination, and oxidation stability of molten salt etched Nb2CTz MXene nanosheets

Despite numerous prior reports of molten salt etching of MAX phases, few of these reports achieved water-dispersible MXene nanosheets, and none for Nb-based MXenes. Here we demonstrate the synthesis and aqueous dispersibility of Nb₂CT_Z nanosheets via molten salt etching and utilizing a KOH wash to add hydroxyl surface groups. However, little is known about the oxidation of molten salt etched MXenes compared to acid-etched MXenes. Our results indicate slower oxidation behavior for MXenes etched by molten salts, which may be due to the decreased amount of oxygen-containing terminal groups.

The advent of thermoplasmonic membrane distillation

Freshwater scarcity is a vital societal challenge related to climate change, population pressure, and agricultural and industrial demands. Therefore, sustainable desalination/purification of salty/contaminated water for human uses is particularly relevant. Membrane distillation is an emerging hybrid thermal-membrane technology with the potential to overcome the drawbacks of conventional desalination by a synergic exploitation of the water-energy nexus. Although membrane distillation is considered a green technology, efficient heat management remains a critical concern affecting the cost of the process and hindering its viability at large scale. A multidisciplinary approach that involves materials chemistry, physical chemistry, chemical engineering, and materials and polymer science is required to solve this problem. The combination of solar energy with membrane distillation is considered a potentially feasible low-cost approach for providing high-quality freshwater with a low carbon footprint. In particular, recent discoveries about efficient light-to-heat conversion in nanomaterials have opened unprecedented perspectives for the implementation of sunlight-based renewable energy in membrane distillation. The integration of nanofillers enabling photothermal effects into membranes has been demonstrated to be able to significantly enhance the energy efficiency without impacting on economic costs. Here, we provide a comprehensive overview on the state of the art, the opportunities, open challenges and pitfalls of the emerging field of solar-driven membrane distillation. We also assess the peculiar physicochemical properties and synthesis scalability of photothermal materials, as well as the strategies for their integration into polymeric nanocomposite membranes enabling efficient light-to-heat conversion and freshwater.

Safety Assessment of 2D MXenes: In Vitro and In Vivo

MXenes, representing a new class of two-dimensional nanomaterial, have attracted intense interest in a variety of fields as supercapacitors, catalysts, and sensors, and in biomedicine. The assessment of the safety of MXenes and related materials in biological systems is thus an issue that requires significant attention. In this review, the toxic effects of MXenes and their derivatives are summarized through the discussion of current research into their behaviors in mammalian cells, animals and plants. Numerous studies have shown that MXenes have generally low cytotoxicity and good biocompatibility. However, a few studies have indicated that MXenes are toxic to stem cells and embryos. These in vitro and in vivo toxic effects are strongly associated with the dose of material, the cell type, the mode of exposure, and the specific type of MXene. In addition, surface modifications alter the toxic effects of MXenes. The stability of MXenes must be considered during toxicity evaluation, as degradation can lead to potentially toxic byproducts. Although research concerning the toxicity of MXenes is limited, this review provides an overview of the current understanding of interactions of MXenes with biological systems and suggests future research directions.

Water-dispersible Ti3C2Tz MXene nanosheets by molten salt etching

Molten-salt etching of Ti3AlC2 MAX phase offers a promising route to produce 2D Ti3C2Tz (MXene) nanosheets without hazardous HF. However, molten-salt etching results in MXene clays that are not water dispersible, thus preventing further processing. This occurs because molten-salt etching results in a lack of -OH terminal groups rendering the MXene clay hydrophobic. Here, we demonstrate a method that produces water-dispersible Ti3C2Tz nanosheets using molten salt (SnF2) to etch. In molten salt etching, SnF2 diffuses between the layers to form AlF3 and Sn as byproducts, separating the layers. The stable, aqueous Ti3C2Tz dispersion yields a ζ potential of -31.7 mV, because of -OH terminal groups introduced by KOH washing. X-ray diffraction and electron microscopy confirm the formation of Ti3C2Tz etched clay with substantial d-spacing as compared with clay etched with HF. This work is the first to use molten salt etching to successfully prepare colloidally stable aqueous dispersions of Ti3C2Tz nanosheets.

Lightweight, Robust, Conductive Composite Fibers Based on MXene@Aramid Nanofibers as Sensors for Smart Fabrics

Developing one-dimensional fiber-based sensors to meet the requirement of spinnability, portability, flexibility, and easeful conformability in smart wearable devices has attracted increasing interest. Here, we report highly conductive MXene@aramid nanofibers (ANFs) with a distinct skin-core structure by the wet spinning method. MXene, an emerging 2D conductive material, is applied to build internal conductive paths. ANF frameworks function as protective and skeleton structures to reduce the fiber oxidation probability and achieve superior strength. The obtained MXene@ANF fiber with superior conductivity (2515 S m^-1) and tensile strength (130 MPa) works as a promising sensor for smart fabrics to detect different human movements with abundant detection motions, fast response time (100 ms), and long service life (up to 1000 cycles). Benefiting from its high flexibility, it can be sewn into textile and gloves as a smart wearable device. Besides superior thermal stability, it shows promising electrothermal properties with wide heating temperature (25-123 °C) and fast heating temperature (10 s). Therefore, the MXene@ANF fiber with the skin-core structure shows great potential as a promising sensor to be applied in electric heating and smart wearable fabrics.

Recent Advances in Multidimensional (1D, 2D, and 3D) Composite Sensors Derived from MXene: Synthesis, Structure, Application, and Perspective

With the advent of the era of intelligent manufacturing, sensors, with various detection objects, have set off a wave of enthusiasm and reached new heights in medical treatment, intelligent industry, daily life, and so on. MXene, as an emerging family of 2D transition metal carbides/nitrides, possesses impressive electrical conductivity, outstanding structural controllability, and satisfying universality with other substrates. Consequently, MXene-based sensors with various functions show a booming growth based on great research potential of MXene. To promote the orderly and efficient development of MXene application in sensors, and further accelerate market-scale application of ideal sensors, in this review, a full range research effort on current MXene-based sensors is summarized. Starting with various synthesis methods of the raw material MXene, a comprehensive summary work along with 1D, 2D, or 3D MXene-based sensors on most recent works is put forward, including the preparation method, characteristic structure, and potential sensing application of each type of MXene-based composite sensors. Ultimately, insights of the opportunities and challenges on the strength of the current reported MXene-based sensor are given.

2D Transition Metal Carbides (MXene) for Electrochemical Sensing: A Review

MXene, a novel class of 2-dimensional transition metal carbides has evolved as a promising material for various applications owing to its outstanding characteristics such as hydrophilicity, high electrical conductivity, surface area, and attractive topological structure. MXenes can form dispersion in common solvents and constitute composite with other nanomaterials, which can be utilized as effective transducers for molecular sensing. MXene-modified support materials, thus provide an intriguing platform for immobilization of target molecules onto their surface. The literature reveals that it has been increasingly utilized in the sensing of diverse types of analytes including glucose, pharmaceuticals, metals and dyes, cancer markers, pesticides, neurotransmitters, small valuable molecules, and so on. In this review, we summarize the recent updates in the MXene modified materials for sensing. For the convenience of our audience, we have distributed the analytes into categories and discussed them comprehensively. Not only we present the synthesis approach, electrochemical properties and surface chemistry of MXenes but also discussed briefly the current challenges and an outlook for future research in the related area.

Exploring the Influence of Critical Parameters for the Effective Synthesis of High-Quality 2D MXene

Recently, a new class of two-dimensional (2D) materials, called MXene, consisting of layers of transition-metal carbides and nitrides/carbonitrides has been introduced. MXene, a multifunctional material with hydrophilic nature and excellent electrical conductivity and chemical stabilities, can be applied in diverse research areas such as energy harvesting and its storage, water purification, thermal dissipation, and gas sensing. To achieve the best quality of MXene, optimization of some important synthetic parameters is highly required such as an optimized etchant concentration to remove an "A" element from the MAX phase and sonication time for the efficient exfoliation of MXene flakes. Besides, there is a need to disclose that particular solvent through which intercalation can easily be achieved. In this work, we optimized the abovementioned critical parameters for the synthesis of good-quality MXene. Our results clearly explain the variations in the quality of MXene under applied etchant concentrations, solvents for better intercalation, and optimization of sonication time for better exfoliation. The obtained results suggest that 30% HF as an etchant, dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) as a solvent, and 135 min as the sonication time are effective parameters for the synthesis of good-quality MXene. We expect that this report will be helpful for the young research community to synthesize good-quality MXene with the required properties.

MXene Materials for Designing Advanced Separation Membranes

MXenes are emerging rapidly as a new family of multifunctional nanomaterials with prospective applications rivaling that of graphenes. Herein, a timely account of the design and performance evaluation of MXene-based membranes is provided. First, the preparation and physicochemical characteristics of MXenes are outlined, with a focus on exfoliation, dispersion stability, and processability, which are crucial factors for membrane fabrication. Then, different formats of MXene-based membranes in the literature are introduced, comprising pristine or intercalated nanolaminates and polymer-based nanocomposites. Next, the major membrane processes so far pursued by MXenes are evaluated, covering gas separation, wastewater treatment, desalination, and organic solvent purification. The potential utility of MXenes in phase inversion and interfacial polymerization, as well as layer-by-layer assembly for the preparation of nanocomposite membranes, is also critically discussed. Looking forward, exploiting the high electrical conductivity and catalytic activity of certain MXenes is put into perspective for niche applications that are not easily achievable by other nanomaterials. Furthermore, the benefits of simulation/modeling approaches for designing MXene-based membranes are exemplified. Overall, critical insights are provided for materials science and membrane communities to navigate better while exploring the potential of MXenes for developing advanced separation membranes.

Heating of Ti3C2Tx MXene/polymer composites in response to Radio Frequency fields

Here we report for the first time that Ti₃C₂T_x/polymer composite films rapidly heat when exposed to low-power radio frequency fields. Ti₃C₂T_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), Ti₃C₂T_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 Ti₃C₂T_x MXenes and a new material for potential RF-based applications.