Author: Sathish Marimuthu, Research Scholar, Centre for Nanotechnology Research(CNR), VIT - Vellore.
Once upon a time, in the realm of materials science, a groundbreaking discovery ushered in a new era—the era of MXenes. These 2D materials, born from the marriage of transition-metal carbides and nitrides, enchanted scientists with their unique properties and endless possibilities. Let's embark on a journey to unravel the captivating story of MXenes.
MXene's Birth
In 2011, the curtain rose on the stage of nanotechnology when researchers stumbled upon a magical crystal known as MAX. Little did they know that this unassuming crystal held the key to creating 2D wonders—MXenes. These materials defied predictions, emerging as a revelation in the scientific community.
MXenes are a family of 2D transition metal carbides, carbonitrides, and nitrides that were discovered in 2011 by two groups of Drexel University researchers led by Yury Gogotsi and Michel Barsoum, both ACerS fellows and professors of materials science and engineering.
The Symphony of Layers
MXenes, with their 2D layered structure, became the protagonists of our tale. Imagine a world where materials could be peeled like pages of a book, revealing extraordinary properties within each layer. Their cross-section, as thin as a few layers of atoms, gives rise to extraordinary properties, turning them into maestros in the realm of nanotechnology. The symphony crescendos as MXenes reveal their applications. Beyond their structural elegance, MXenes take center stage as supercapacitor electrodes, showcasing their prowess in energy storage and beyond, echoing their potential in various fieldsMXenes did just that, captivating scientists with their versatility and potential applications in various fields.
"The Symphony of Layers in MXenes not only captivates with its elegance but also promises a future where these 2D materials conduct a harmonious orchestra of scientific advancement."
Figure 1. Illustration of the MXene materials 'pristine' on the left, molecular structure on right [1].
Unveiling the Powers
These 2D wonders displayed an array of powers—high charge storage capacity, excellent charge transport, and nonlinear optical properties. MXenes weren't just materials; they were the superheroes of the scientific world, ready to revolutionize energy storage, electronics, and photonics.
The Quest for Applications
As the MXene saga unfolded, researchers embarked on a quest to harness their powers. From wireless communication to photonic diodes, MXenes showcased their prowess in diverse applications, promising a brighter and more efficient future.
Figure 2. Structure and applications of 2D carbides and nitrides (MXenes). The large number of MXene compositions having structures with three, five, seven, or nine atomic layers containing one or two kinds of metal atoms and various surface terminations (−F, =O, −Cl, −Br, etc.) have shown promising optoelectronic, mechanical, and electrochemical properties. They have found use in a wide range of applications ranging from energy storage and harvesting to catalysis, water purification and desalination, electromagnetic interference shielding, communication, optics, electronics, plasmonics, sensors, actuators, composites, and medicine [3].
MXenes - A Continuing Saga
And so, the story of MXenes continues, with scientists exploring new chapters in the book of 2D materials. As we close this chapter, the promise of MXenes remains—a promise to reshape our technological landscape and pave the way for a future where materials are no longer bound by convention. In the words of visionary nanotechnologist Richard Feynman, "There's plenty of room at the bottom." MXenes exemplify this sentiment, showcasing the limitless potential of nanotechnology to engineer materials at the atomic and molecular scale. The MXene saga is a testament to humanity's ceaseless quest to harness the power of the infinitesimally small for monumental advancements.
References
[3] VahidMohammadi, A., Rosen, J., & Gogotsi, Y. (2021). The world of two-dimensional carbides and nitrides (MXenes). Science, 372(6547), eabf1581.
[4] Kumar, N., Singh, H., Khatri, M., & Bhardwaj, N. (2023). 2D-Transition Metal Carbides and Nitrides: Materials for the Next Generation. In Age of MXenes, Volume 1. Fundamentals and Artificial Intelligence: Machine Learning Interventions (pp. 1-25). American Chemical Society.