High conductivity and stability of polystyrene/MXene composites with orientation-3D network binary structure

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Nanotechnology
• Polymer Science

Background:

• Two-dimensional transition metal carbides/nitrides (MXenes) and their polymer composites show promise for flexible electronics, electromagnetic shielding, catalysis, and energy storage.
• Challenges include MXene oxidation and inefficient traditional composite preparation, hindering practical applications.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop high-performance polymer/MXene composites with enhanced conductivity and stability.
• To overcome limitations of traditional composite preparation methods.

Main Methods:

• A particle construction strategy was employed to create polystyrene/MXene (PS/MXene) composites with a 3D conductive network structure.
• MXene nanosheets were oriented within the matrix to form an oriented 3D network binary structure.

Main Results:

• The 3D conductive network structure achieved high conductivity (3846.15 S/m at 1.81 vol% MXene) with excellent long-term stability (retaining 53.4% conductivity after 180 days).
• Orienting MXene nanosheets further boosted conductivity to 4471.13 S/m, with a remarkably low percolation threshold of 0.175 vol%.

Conclusions:

• The developed particle construction strategy and oriented 3D network design significantly enhance MXene utilization and composite performance.
• This research offers a viable pathway for the practical application of MXene-based composite materials in various advanced fields.