MXene Nanocrystals for Energy Storage Versatility
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a limited number of non-oxide, two-dimensional, atomically-scaled layered solids available, with graphene being the most studied but having limitations due to its simple chemistry and weak van der Waals bonding, which restricts its applications beyond electronics and composite reinforcement.
Innovation Solution
Development of compositions comprising two-dimensional crystalline solids with an empirical formula of Mn+1Xn, where M is a Group IIIB, IVB, or VIB metal, and X is C or N, which can be stacked or used as individual layers with surface modifications such as alkoxide, carboxylate, or sulfide coatings, and can be intercalated with ions like lithium for energy storage applications.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If graphene is used as a 2-D material, then electronic properties and composite reinforcement are improved, but chemical simplicity and weak van der Waals bonding limit application versatility
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs composite materials by combining transition metal carbides, nitrides, or carbonitrides with 2-D layered structures. These MXene materials integrate the electrical conductivity of metals with the structural stability of ceramics, creating compositions that overcome graphene's chemical simplicity while maintaining 2-D properties for diverse applications including electronics, energy storage, and composite reinforcement
2Strength
If graphene is used for electronics and composite reinforcement, then performance is improved, but weak van der Waals bonding restricts structural stability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the interlayer bonding characteristics through surface termination engineering. By controlling surface terminations (oxides, hydroxides, fluorides) during synthesis, the materials achieve enhanced interlayer adhesion strength while preserving the 2-D layered structure, thereby improving structural stability for stacked assemblies and practical applications
3Adaptability or versatility
If the number of 2-D non-oxide materials is increased, then material diversity is improved, but current exfoliation methods are limited to specific crystal structures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by performing selective etching of the A-layer from MAX phase precursors before final exfoliation. This pre-treatment creates a more labile structure that facilitates subsequent exfoliation into 2-D MXene sheets, expanding material diversity beyond the limited hexagonal and layered chalcogenide structures to include various transition metal carbides, nitrides, and carbonitrides
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention is directed to compositions comprising at least one layer or at least two layers, each layer comprising a substantially two-dimensional array of crystal cells, having first and second surfaces, each crystal cell having the empirical formula of Mn+1Xn, where M, X, and n are described in the specification, and devices incorporating these compositions.