Versatile MXene Gels Assisted by Brief and Low-Strength Centrifugation

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Nanotechnology
• Chemistry

Background:

• 2D MXene nanosheets typically aggregate due to surface repulsion and high surface energy, hindering self-assembly into 3D structures.
• The formation of macroscopic MXene gels requires linking agents to overcome these inherent properties.

Purpose of the Study:

• To demonstrate rapid, spontaneous gelation of Ti3C2Tx MXene into multifunctional 3D architectures.
• To explore the tunable properties of these MXene gels based on pH-induced surface chemistry modifications.

Main Methods:

• Utilized a low dispersion concentration (0.5 mg mL⁻¹) of Ti3C2Tx MXene.
• Applied moderate centrifugation to induce gelation and form 3D architectures.
• Investigated pH-induced changes in surface chemistry to tune gel properties.

Main Results:

• Achieved rapid spontaneous gelation of MXene nanosheets into 3D multifunctional architectures.
• Demonstrated reconfigurable internal structures and tunable rheological, tribological, electrochemical, and photothermal properties.
• Obtained high specific capacitances (~635 and ~408 F g⁻¹ at 5 and 100 mV s⁻¹, respectively) and excellent capacitance retention (~96.7% after 10,000 cycles).

Conclusions:

• Developed a method for creating tunable MXene gels at low concentrations without linking agents.
• Showcased the potential of these gels for advanced applications including semi-solid lubrication, supercapacitors, and anticounterfeiting technologies.