Surface and Interface Regulation of MXenes: Methods and Properties.

Since the discovery of Ti C T in 2011, 2D transition metal carbides, nitrides, and carbonitrides, known as MXenes, have been attracting great attention as the emerging member of 2D materials. The surface terminations, intercalants, and the interfaces between MXenes and other substances are of importance for tuning the properties of MXenes. For instance, surface termination of MXenes can change the density of states at the Fermi levels to make MXenes electronically tunable.

Simultaneously tuning interlayer spacing and termination of MXenes by Lewis-basic halides.

The surface and interface chemistry are of significance on controlling the properties of two-dimensional transition metal carbides and nitrides (MXenes). Numerous efforts have been devoted to the regulation of TiCT MXene, however, tuning interlayer spacing and surface halogen termination of other MXenes (besides TiCT) is rarely reported while demanded. Here we propose a Lewis-basic halides treatment, which is capable of simultaneously engineering the interlayer spacing and surface termination of various MXenes.

High-temperature stability in air of TiCT MXene-based composite with extracted bentonite.

Although TiCT MXene is a promising material for many applications such as catalysis, energy storage, electromagnetic interference shielding due to its metallic conductivity and high processability, it's poor resistance to oxidation at high temperatures makes its application under harsh environments challenging. Here, we report an air-stable TiCT based composite with extracted bentonite (EB) nanosheets. In this case, oxygen molecules are shown to be preferentially adsorbed on EB.

Emerging Topochemical Strategies for Designing Two-Dimensional Energy Materials.

The unique properties of two-dimensional (2D) materials make them increasingly attractive in various fields, especially for energy harvesting, conversion, or storage. Simultaneously, numerous synthetic methods have been rapidly developed. Recently, topochemical strategies were demonstrated, and they show tremendous promising potential for synthesizing 2D materials due to their simplicity, scalability, and high efficiency.

Nacre-inspired composite films with high mechanical strength constructed from MXenes and wood-inspired hydrothermal cellulose-based nanofibers for high performance flexible supercapacitors.

Two dimensional MXenes with fascinating characteristics of high electrical conductivity, high density and electroactivity show promising applications in various fields. However, the direct applications of MXenes have been limited due to their inferior mechanical properties and easy restacking. Herein, a kind of nacre-like composite film constructed with Ti3C2Tx, cellulose nanofiber (HCNF) and sodium lignosulfonate (Lig) obtained through the hydrothermal process, named Ti3C2Tx/HCNF@Lig, has been successfully synthesized.

A Highly Efficient Heterogeneous Processor for SAR Imaging.

The expansion and improvement of synthetic aperture radar (SAR) technology have greatly enhanced its practicality. SAR imaging requires real-time processing with limited power consumption for large input images. Designing a specific heterogeneous array processor is an effective approach to meet the power consumption constraints and real-time processing requirements of an application system.