High-Entropy MXene Composition for Stable High-Energy Electrodes

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing battery technologies face challenges in increasing energy and power densities, reducing costs, and improving safety and lifespan, particularly in the context of two-dimensional electrode materials.

Innovation Solution

The development of high-entropy MXenes, specifically TiVNbMoC3 and TiVCrMoC3, is achieved through the synthesis of precursor MAX phase powders, followed by etching and delamination to obtain single-to-few-layered MXene flakes, maintaining a stoichiometric ratio of transition metals.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If conventional battery electrode materials are used, then manufacturing cost and safety are acceptable, but energy density and power density are insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenergy densityVSAvoidsafety

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs high-entropy MXenes as composite materials comprising five or more transition metals in equimolar ratios, creating a multi-element composite structure that simultaneously achieves high energy density through enhanced electrochemical activity and improved safety through superior structural stability and controlled ion transport pathways

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Reliability

If conventional battery electrode materials are used, then structural stability is maintained, but electrochemical activity and conductivity are insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural stabilityVSAvoidelectrochemical activity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSPower

Solution Approach 1:

The patent fundamentally changes the compositional parameters by incorporating five or more transition metals in equimolar ratios within the MXene structure, creating high-entropy configurations that simultaneously enhance electrochemical activity through increased active sites and maintain structural stability through entropy-driven stabilization of the crystal lattice

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Ease of manufacture

If simple MXene structures are used, then ease of manufacture is maintained, but electrochemical performance and stability are insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemanufacturing simplicityVSAvoidelectrochemical stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by creating distinct regions within the MXene structure where different transition metal combinations provide specialized functions: some regions optimize for electrochemical activity while others provide structural stability, with all metals present in equimolar ratios to ensure homogeneous distribution of these functional regions throughout the material

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The resulting MXenes exhibit enhanced electrochemical activity and stability, addressing the limitations of existing battery materials by providing superior conductivity and mechanical properties.

Implementation Method 1

etching the MAX phase powder to obtain multi-layered MXene powder

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSelective etching:

Implementation Method 2

delaminating the multi-layered MXene powder to obtain single-to-few-layered MXene flakes

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDelamination:

Data Source

PatentUS20250266449A1High entropy mxenes and methods of making thereof

Publication Date: 2025.08.21 THE TRUSTEES OF INDIANA UNIV

AI summary

A Composition of matter defined by the general formula of M1M2M3M4X3 wherein: X is carbon; and M1, M2, M3, and M4 each represent a different transition metal selected from the group consisting of Ti, Ta, Sc, Cr, Zr, Hf, Mo, V, and Nb.