MXene-Based Nanocomposites for Piezoelectric and Triboelectric Energy Harvesting Applications

Progress and Perspective in harnessing MXene-carbon-based composites (0-3D): Synthesis, performance, and applications

MXene is recognized as a promising catalyst for versatile applications due to its abundant metal sites, physicochemical properties, and structural formation. This comprehensive review offers an in-depth analysis of the incorporation of carbon into MXene, resulting in the formation of MXene-carbon-based composites (MCCs). Pristine MXene exhibits numerous outstanding characteristics, such as its atomically thin 2D structure, hydrophilic surface nature, metallic electrical conductivity, and substantial specific surface area. The introduction of carbon guides the assembly of MCCs through electrostatic self-assembly, pairing positively charged carbon with negatively charged MXene. These interactions result in increased interlayer spacing, reduced ion/electron transport distances, and enhanced surface hydrophilicity. Subsequent sections delve into the synthesis methods for MCCs, focusing on MXene integrated with various carbon structures, including 0D, 1D, 2D, and 3D carbon. Comprehensive discussions explore the distinctive properties of MCCs and the unique advantages they offer in each application domain, emphasizing the contributions and advancements they bring to specific fields. Furthermore, this comprehensive review addresses the challenges encountered by MCCs across different applications. Through these analyses, the review promotes a deeper understanding of exceptional characteristics and potential applications of MCCs. Insights derived from this review can serve as guidance for future research and development efforts, promoting the widespread utilization of MCCs across a broad spectrum of disciplines and spurring future innovations.

Advancements in MXene-based composites for electronic skins

MXenes are a class of two-dimensional (2D) materials that have gained significant attention in the field of electronic skins (E-skins). MXene-based composites offer several advantages for E-skins, including high electrical conductivity, mechanical flexibility, transparency, and chemical stability. Their mechanical flexibility allows for conformal integration onto various surfaces, enabling the creation of E-skins that can closely mimic human skin. In addition, their high surface area facilitates enhanced sensitivity and responsiveness to external stimuli, making them ideal for sensing applications. Notably, MXene-based composites can be integrated into E-skins to create sensors that can detect various stimuli, such as temperature, pressure, strain, and humidity. These sensors can be used for a wide range of applications, including health monitoring, robotics, and human-machine interfaces. However, challenges related to scalability, integration, and biocompatibility need to be addressed. One important challenge is achieving long-term stability under harsh conditions such as high humidity. MXenes are susceptible to oxidation, which can degrade their electrical and mechanical properties over time. Another crucial challenge is the scalability of MXene synthesis, as large-scale production methods need to be developed to meet the demand for commercial applications. Notably, the integration of MXenes with other components, such as energy storage devices or flexible electronics, requires further developments to ensure compatibility and optimize overall performance. By addressing issues related to material stability, mechanical flexibility, scalability, sensing performance, and power supply, MXene-based E-skins can develop the fields of healthcare monitoring/diagnostics, prosthetics, motion monitoring, wearable electronics, and human-robot interactions. The integration of MXenes with emerging technologies, such as artificial intelligence or internet of things, can unlock new functionalities and applications for E-skins, ranging from healthcare monitoring to virtual reality interfaces. This review aims to examine the challenges, advantages, and limitations of MXenes and their composites in E-skins, while also exploring the future prospects and potential advancements in this field.

Piezotronic Antimony Sulphoiodide/Polyvinylidene Composite for Strain-Sensing and Energy-Harvesting Applications

This study investigates the piezoelectric and piezotronic properties of a novel composite material comprising polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) and antimony sulphoiodide (SbSI) nanowires. The material preparation method is detailed, showcasing its simplicity and reproducibility. The material's electrical resistivity, piezoelectric response, and energy-harvesting capabilities are systematically analyzed under various deflection conditions and excitation frequencies. The piezoelectric response is characterized by the generation of charge carriers in the material due to mechanical strain, resulting in voltage output. The fundamental phenomena of charge generation, along with their influence on the material's resistivity, are proposed. Dynamic strain testing reveals the composite's potential as a piezoelectric nanogenerator (PENG), converting mechanical energy into electrical energy. Comparative analyses highlight the composite's power density advantages, thereby demonstrating its potential for energy-harvesting applications. This research provides insights into the interplay between piezoelectric and piezotronic phenomena in nanocomposites and their applicability in energy-harvesting devices.