Anchoring Oxidized MXene Nanosheets on Porous Carbon Nanotube Sponge for Enhancing Ion Transport and Pseudocapacitive Performance

M-site transition metal activation in Mo2Ti2C3Tx MXene for enhanced lithium storage with superior rate performance

Mo2Ti2C3Tx (DM) MXene is a promising energy storage material with rich M-site transition metal components and adjustable structural properties. However, its practical lithium storage capacity remains limited, particularly at high current densities. This study presents a feasible activation strategy for DM MXene, where chemically inert M-X bonds were effectively activated through electrophoretic deposition and annealing treatment, enabling in-situ construction of amorphous transition metal compounds without compromising the layered structure of DM MXene. Compared to pristine DM MXene and activated DM (ADM) materials, the electron and ion transport efficiency of the integrated electrode-hydrophilic carbon nanotube sponges@ADM (HCS@ADM) was significantly enhanced, resulting in a synergistic improvement in its electrochemical performance, particularly in lithium storage capacity and rate performance. As an electrode material for lithium-ion batteries, it delivered a high reversible capacity of 440.0 mAh g-1 at 10 A g-1. The activation strategy significantly enhances the electrochemical performance of DM MXene, offering a feasible approach for developing advanced energy storage electrodes.

Ultra‑Broadband and Ultra-High Electromagnetic Interference Shielding Performance of Aligned and Compact MXene Films

With the rapid development of electronic detective techniques, there is an urgent need for broadband (from microwave to infrared) stealth of aerospace equipment. However, achieving effective broadband stealth primarily relies on the composite of multi-layer coatings of different materials, while realizing broadband stealth with a single material remains a significant challenge. Herein, we reported a highly compact MXene film with aligned nanosheets through a continuous centrifugal spraying strategy. The film exhibits an exceptional electromagnetic interference shielding effectiveness of 45 dB in gigahertz band (8.2-40 GHz) and 59 dB in terahertz band (0.2-1.6 THz) at a thickness of 2.25 μm, owing to the high conductivity (1.03 × 106 S m-1). Moreover, exceptionally high specific shielding effectiveness of 1.545 × 106 dB cm2 g⁻1 has been demonstrated by the film, which is the highest value reported for shielding films. Additionally, the film exhibits an ultra-low infrared emissivity of 0.1 in the wide-range infrared band (2.5-16.0 μm), indicating its excellent infrared stealth performance for day-/nighttime outdoor environments. Moreover, the film demonstrates efficient electrothermal performance, including a high saturated temperature (over 120 °C at 1.0 V), a high heating rate (4.4 °C s-1 at 1.0 V), and a stable and uniform heating distribution. Therefore, this work provides a promising strategy for protecting equipment from multispectral electromagnetic interference and inhibiting infrared detection.

Self-healing Micro-Supercapacitor Based on Robust Liquid Metal-CNT-PEDOT:PSS Film for Wireless Powering of Integrated Strain Sensor

The limited energy density of micro-supercapacitors (MSCs) and challenges in their integration significantly impede the advancement of MSCs in wearable electronic devices. Here, this work designs a robust and wrinkled liquid metal-CNT-PEDOT:PSS film with high capacity and self-healing properties (defined as LM-CNT-PEDOT:PSS). The wrinkled structure further enhances tensile properties of LM-CNT-PEDOT:PSS and increases its active specific surface area per unit. Simultaneously, the incorporation of liquid metal (LM) enhances both the mechanical and healing properties of the LM-CNT-PEDOT:PSS electrode. The flexible and self-healing MSC based on wrinkled LM-CNT-PEDOT:PSS shows a remarkable specific capacitance of 114.29 mF cm-2 and a high areal energy density of 15.47 µW h cm-2. Furthermore, the electrochemical performance of the healed MSC retained 90.01% of its initial performance, and the MSC unit can be arbitrarily integrated according to various energy and voltage requirements through the healing properties of LM-CNT-PEDOT:PSS, widening the range of applications in next-generation microelectronic devices. The wrinkled LM-CNT-PEDOT:PSS film is utilized for the fabrication of a highly sensitive strain sensor. Simultaneously, the prepared sensor can be seamlessly integrated with wireless charging and MSC to facilitate convenient monitoring of physiological signals, thereby offering an effective solution for the advancement of wearable technology and self-powered systems.

Flexible Ti3C2Tx MXene Film Coupled with Defect-Rich MoO3 Spacer-Contributor toward High-Performance Wearable Energy Storage

MXene film-derived flexible supercapacitors have shown great application foreground for wearable electronics, but the capacitive characteristics, especially when faced with mechanical deformations, are not satisfactory. Herein, a new kind of flexible electrode, MX/D-MoO3, is developed by using Ti3C2Tx MXene film (MX) and defect-rich MoO3 (D-MoO3) as the "main body" and "spacer-contributor", respectively. Results indicate that, with D-MoO3 intercalation, notably enlarged layer spacing of Ti3C2Tx nanosheets and boosted electrochemical active sites are fulfilled, which have facilitated wondrous property increases of 342% and 239% when compared to raw MX and MX/MoO3, respectively. Particularly, MX/D-MoO3-60 has a high specific capacitance of 2734.3 mF cm-2 at 1 mA cm-2, which surpasses most of the counterparts reported thus far. The MX/D-MoO3-60-based all-solid-state supercapacitor presents the largest energy density of 96.3 µWh cm-2 at 205.9 µW cm-2 and an outstanding power density of 1871.4 µW cm-2 at 18.6 µWh cm-2. Meanwhile, impressive stability with capacitance retention of 91.8% after 5 000 cycles and great mechanical flexibility with capacitance retention of 90.3% under bending angles from 0 to 180° are also exhibited. The superior properties and facile preparation endow MX/D-MoO3-60 with promising applications in wearable energy storage.

MXenes from MAX phases: synthesis, hybridization, and advances in supercapacitor applications

MXenes, which are essentially 2D layered structures composed of transition metal carbides and nitrides obtained from MAX phases, have gained substantial interest in the field of energy storage, especially for their potential as electrodes in supercapacitors due to their unique properties such as high electrical conductivity, large surface area, and tunable surface chemistry that enable efficient charge storage. However, their practical implementation is hindered by challenges like self-restacking, oxidation, and restricted ion transport within the layered structure. This review focuses on the synthesis process of MXenes from MAX phases, highlighting the different etching techniques employed and how they significantly influence the resulting MXene structure and subsequent electrochemical performance. It further highlights the hybridization of MXenes with carbon-based materials, conducting polymers, and metal oxides to enhance charge storage capacity, cyclic stability, and ion diffusion. The influence of dimensional structuring (1D, 2D, and 3D architectures) on electrochemical performance is critically analyzed, showcasing their role in optimizing electrolyte accessibility and energy density. Additionally, the review highlights that while MXene-based supercapacitors have seen significant advancements in terms of energy storage efficiency through various material combinations and fabrication techniques, key challenges like large-scale production, long-term stability, and compatibility with electrolytes still need to be addressed. Future research should prioritize developing scalable synthesis methods, optimizing hybrid material interactions, and investigating new electrolyte systems to fully realize the potential of MXene-based supercapacitors for commercial applications. This comprehensive review provides a roadmap for researchers aiming to bridge the gap between laboratory research and commercial supercapacitor applications.

Labyrinthine Wrinkle-Patterned Fiber Sensors Based on a 3D Stress Complementary Strategy for Machine Learning-Enabled Medical Monitoring and Action Recognition

Fiber strain sensors show good application potential in the field of wearable smart fabrics and equipment because of their characteristics of easy deformation and weaving. However, the integration of fiber strain sensors with sensitive response, good stretchability, and effective practical application remains a challenge. Herein, this paper proposes a new strategy based on 3D stress complementation through pre-stretching and swelling processes, and the polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS)/silver nanoparticle (AgNPs)/MXene/carbon nanotubes (CNTs) fiber sensor with the bilayer labyrinthian wrinkles conductive network on the PU fiber surface is fabricated. Benefiting from the wrinkled structure and the synergies of sensitive composite materials, the fiber sensor exhibits good stretchability (>150%), high sensitivity (maximum gauge factor is 57896), ultra-low detection limit (0.1%), fast response/recovery time (177/188 ms) and good long-term durability. It can be used as Morse code issuance and recognition to express the patient's symptoms and feelings. Further, the sensor enables comprehensive human movement monitoring and collects data of different characteristics with the assistance of machine learning, different letters/numbers are recognized and predicted with an accuracy of 99.17% and 99.33%. Therefore, this fiber sensor shows potential as a new generation of flexible strain sensors with applications in medical monitoring and human-computer interaction.

Recent progress in Si/Ti3C2Tx MXene anode materials for lithium-ion batteries

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are a major global health issue, causing significant morbidity and mortality worldwide. Early diagnosis and continuous monitoring of physiological signals are crucial for managing cardiovascular diseases, necessitating the development of lightweight and cost-effective wearable devices. These devices should incorporate portable energy storage systems, such as lithium-ion batteries (LIBs). To enhance the durability and consistency of the monitoring systems, there is a need to develop LIBs with high energy density. Silicon-based materials hold great promise for future LIBs anodes due to their high theoretical capacity and cost-efficiency. Despite their potential, silicon-based materials encounter challenges like substantial volume fluctuations and sluggish kinetics. Transition metal carbide, MXene, features a two-dimensional structure, offering advantages in silicon-based anode materials. This review initially presents the potential of silicon-based anodes and then addresses their challenges. Subsequently, the advantages of MXene are systematically reviewed, including unique structure, abundant surface functional groups, excellent electrical conductivity, and excellent ion transport performance. Next, the detailed discussion covers recent advancements in Si/Ti3C2Tx MXene anode materials for LIBs, with a focus on their synthesis methods. Finally, the challenges and future perspectives of synthesizing Si/Ti3C2Tx nanocomposites are examined, aiming to provide a foundational resource for designing advanced materials for high-energy LIBs.

Electrophoretic deposition of MXenes and their composites: Toward a scalable approach

Over the past decade, MXenes, a novel class of advanced 2D nanomaterials, have manifested as a prominent electrode material with diverse applications. Their unique layered structures, negative zeta potential, charge carrier mobility, mechanical properties, adjustable bandgap, hydrophilicity, metallic nature, and surface chemistry collectively contribute to the abundance of active redox sites on the surface and a reduction in the ion diffusion pathway. Despite such promising attributes of MXene, challenges like aggregation and restacking reduce the accessibility of active surface sites for electrolyte ions. Amongst approaches such as surface functionalization, addition of spacers, or facilitating pore formation, the electrophoretic deposition (EPD) of MXene on substrates has commenced to gain attention aiming to mitigate these issues. More importantly, it offers large-scale film fabrication in a short time without the necessity of using a charge-inducing agent. This review compiles recent advances in the use of EPD for preparing MXene-based electrodes and discusses the effect of EPD parameters on the relevant device performance. Recognition is given to understanding the relation of MXene colloidal composition in aqueous (and in some cases, non-aqueous) dispersions, deposition times, and other relevant parameters on respective device performances. In conclusion, the potential avenues offered by MXenes for future research on electrode materials are emphasized.

Effect of dissolved oxygen on the peroxymonosulfate activation pathway in an electrochemical Co/P/CA cathode system

Although dissolved oxygen plays an important role in electro-Fenton-like processes, few investigations have revealed its underlying effects in such processes. Herein, the effect of dissolved oxygen on peroxide activation in an electro-Fenton-like system comprising electrochemical cells and peroxymonosulfate (PMS) was investigated. Cobalt phosphide-modified carbon aerogel (Co/P/CA) was used as the cathode material owing to the high conductivity and catalytic activity of Co/P/CA. Several free radicals and their effects on organic pollutant removal were observed using electron paramagnetic resonance spectrometry and quenching experiments, respectively. The observations revealed that in the presence of O2, hydroxyl radical (·OH), superoxide (O2-·), and singlet oxygen (1O2) served as the primary active species in the PMS activation process, while in the presence of N2, ·OH and sulfate radical (SO4-·) served as the dominant active species in this process. The factor responsible for the difference in the PMS activation pathways available under O2 and N2 conditions was investigated using rotating disk electrode tests and free energy calculations. The tests indicated that O2 facilitates PMS activation to form ·OH instead of SO4-·. The dissolved oxygen subsequently underwent a single-electron-reduction reaction and was converted into O2-·, which could serve as a source of 1O2. When N2 was introduced, Co species, particularly Co(II), played a key role in activating PMS. The free radicals ·OH and SO4-· were generated during the PMS activation process. This study clearly demonstrates the mediating catalysis role of dissolved oxygen in electro-Fenton-like system through experimental data and theoretical calculations, thereby positively contributing to future studies regarding the continuous activation of peroxides in composite systems and improvement of the efficiency of waterbody remediation.

Fast Electrodeposition of MXene/PDA Composites for High‐Performance Bioelectronic Interfaces: An In Vitro Evaluation

Bioelectrode is critical to many biomedical researches. However, traditional materials (typically noble metals) and manufacturing techniques limit the large‐scale production of bioelectrodes. Herein, a fast electrochemical approach is proposed to deposit versatile MXene/polydopamine (PDA) composites on a metalized substrate. PDA coating can improve the adhesion between MXene and the substrate, while MXene provides rough surfaces with unique micro/nanostructure and outstanding electrical/optical/thermal performance. The impedance of the as‐prepared bioelectrode at 1 kHz is down to 8.48 Ω cm2. The corresponding cathodic charge storage capacity (CSCc) and charge injection capacity (CIC) are up to ≈250 and 6.59 mC cm−2 respectively, much superior to that of bare Pt and other conventional material‐based electrodes. The MXene/PDA composites also demonstrate robust stability under continuous electrostimulation for 1 × 108 pulse cycles and 1000 CV cycles. Moreover, MXene/PDA composites show a high and rapid photothermal response. Photoelectrochemical activity is also observed with high photocurrent, ≈40 folds larger than that of bare Pt. The utility of this new electrode in ascorbic acid sensing is demonstrated. Excellent biocompatibility is verified via neuron adhesion test and viability assay.

Recent Advances and Strategies in MXene-Based Electrodes for Supercapacitors: Applications, Challenges and Future Prospects

With the growing demand for technologies to sustain high energy consumption, supercapacitors are gaining prominence as efficient energy storage solutions beyond conventional batteries. MXene-based electrodes have gained recognition as a promising material for supercapacitor applications because of their superior electrical conductivity, extensive surface area, and chemical stability. This review provides a comprehensive analysis of the recent progress and strategies in the development of MXene-based electrodes for supercapacitors. It covers various synthesis methods, characterization techniques, and performance parameters of these electrodes. The review also highlights the current challenges and limitations, including scalability and stability issues, and suggests potential solutions. The future outlooks and directions for further research in this field are also discussed, including the creation of new synthesis methods and the exploration of novel applications. The aim of the review is to offer a current and up-to-date understanding of the state-of-the-art in MXene-based electrodes for supercapacitors and to stimulate further research in the field.

Flexible, Transparent, and Wafer-Scale Artificial Synapse Array Based on TiOx /Ti3 C2 Tx Film for Neuromorphic Computing

A high-density neuromorphic computing memristor array based on 2D materials paves the way for next-generation information-processing components and in-memory computing systems. However, the traditional 2D-materials-based memristor devices suffer from poor flexibility and opacity, which hinders the application of memristors in flexible electronics. Here, a flexible artificial synapse array based on TiOx /Ti3 C2 Tx film is fabricated by a convenient and energy-efficient solution-processing technique, which realizes high transmittance (≈90%) and oxidation resistance (>30 days). The TiOx /Ti3 C2 Tx memristor shows low device-to-device variability, long memory retention and endurance, a high ON/OFF ratio, and fundamental synaptic behavior. Furthermore, satisfactory flexibility (R = 1.0 mm) and mechanical endurance (104 bending cycles) of the TiOx /Ti3 C2 Tx memristor are achieved, which is superior to other film memristors prepared by chemical vapor deposition. In addition, high-precision (>96.44%) MNIST handwritten digits recognition classification simulation indicates that the TiOx /Ti3 C2 Tx artificial synapse array holds promise for future neuromorphic computing applications, and provides excellent high-density neuron circuits for new flexible intelligent electronic equipment.