Lignin-Containing Nanocellulose Mediated Interlayer Modulation Unlocks Stable and Redispersible MXene

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Nanotechnology

Background:

• Titanium carbide (Ti3C2Tx) MXene possesses excellent conductivity, mechanical strength, and multifunctionality, making it suitable for various applications.
• Industrial use of MXene is limited by challenges in controlling its redispersibility and oxidative stability.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a strategy for precise control over MXene redispersibility and oxidative stability.
• To enable large-scale production and application of MXene by overcoming current industrial bottlenecks.

Main Methods:

• An interlayer chemical modulation strategy using amphiphilic lignin-containing nanocellulose (LNC).
• Competitive interactions between LNC's hydrophilic and hydrophobic segments to tune MXene interlayers.
• Industrial-scale spray drying to produce stabilized semi-solid MXene.

Main Results:

• Achieved long-term reversible redispersibility and enhanced oxidative stability of MXene.
• The material can be fully redispersed into monolayer MXene even after 180 days, maintaining high conductivity (≈7000 S cm⁻¹).
• Programmable switching between dynamically reversible and permanently fixed structures by adjusting post-drying time.

Conclusions:

• The LNC-mediated strategy effectively resolves key industry challenges for MXene, including oxidation, transportation costs, and reprocessing.
• This breakthrough facilitates the transition of MXene from laboratory research to commercial applications.