Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 18, 2026
11:09
Scalable Solution-processed Fabrication Strategy for High-performance, Flexible, Transparent Electrodes with Embedded Metal Mesh
Published on: June 23, 2017
Flexible Semitransparent MXene Thin-Film Heaters Enhanced by Conducting Polymer Percolation Network
Jihwan Ju1, Chanwoo Park1, Seongwook Moon1
1School of Chemical Engineering, Pusan National University, Busandaehak-ro 63 beon-gil 2, Geumjeong-gu, Busan 46241, Republic of Korea.
ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces
|June 16, 2026
Summary
Flexible, semitransparent thin-film heaters were developed using MXene and PEDOT:PSS. Post-treatment enhanced conductivity and transparency, enabling applications in wearable thermal management and thermochromic devices.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Nanotechnology
- Electrical Engineering
Background:
- Two-dimensional transition metal carbides and nitrides (MXenes) offer potential for flexible heaters due to conductivity and pliability.
- Challenges exist in balancing optical transparency and Joule heating efficiency in flexible MXene films.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop flexible, semitransparent MXene thin-film heaters with enhanced electrothermal performance.
- To overcome the trade-off between film thickness and light transmittance in MXene-based heaters.
Main Methods:
- Fabrication of flexible, semitransparent films using a percolated network of poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene):polystyrenesulfonate (PEDOT:PSS) and MXene via spin-coating.
- Post-treatment with trifluoroacetic acid (TFA) to enhance electrical conductivity and reorganize film structure.
- Characterization of electrothermal performance, optical transmittance, and mechanical flexibility.
Main Results:
- Achieved a significant reduction in sheet resistance from 1240 ± 117.9 to 129 ± 7.6 Ω sq-1 after TFA treatment.
- Maintained a visible transmittance of 70.6% in the optimized composite films.
- Demonstrated excellent electrothermal performance: steady-state temperature of 92.2 °C at 10 V, a heating time constant of 3 s, and a bending radius down to 1.7 mm.
Conclusions:
- PEDOT:PSS/MXene nanocomposites enable the creation of high-performance, flexible, and semitransparent thin-film heaters.
- The developed heaters show potential for transparent and wearable thermal management applications, including thermochromic devices.
