Heating of Ti₃C₂T_x 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.