Universal Ligands for Dispersion of Two-Dimensional MXene in Organic Solvents

Ligands can control the surface chemistry, physicochemical properties, processing, and applications of nanomaterials. MXenes are the fastest growing family of two-dimensional (2D) nanomaterials, showing promise for energy, electronic, and environmental applications. However, complex oxidation states, surface terminal groups, and interaction with the environment have hindered the development of organic ligands suitable for MXenes. Here, we demonstrate a simple, fast, scalable, and universally applicable ligand chemistry for MXenes using alkylated 3,4-dihydroxy-l-phenylalanine (ADOPA). Due to the strong hydrogen-bonding and π-electron interactions between the catechol head and surface terminal groups of MXenes and the presence of a hydrophobic fluorinated alkyl tail compatible with organic solvents, the ADOPA ligands functionalize MXene surfaces under mild reaction conditions without sacrificing their properties. Stable colloidal solutions and highly concentrated liquid crystals of various MXenes, including Ti₂CT, Nb₂CT, V₂CT, Mo₂CT, Ti₃C₂T, Ti₃CNT, Mo₂TiC₂T, Mo₂Ti₂C₃T, and Ti₄N₃T, have been produced in various organic solvents. Such products offer excellent electrical conductivity, improved oxidation stability, and excellent processability, enabling applications in flexible electrodes and electromagnetic interference shielding.