Pioneering Advances in MXene Synthesis and Applications—Insights from Argonne MXene Innovations

The rapidly expanding utility of MXenes in applications such as energy storage (Li-ion batteries, supercapacitors), catalysis, composites, and gas sensing underscores the necessity for enhanced efficiency, predictability, and reliability in their synthesis and processing. MXenes, characterized by their unique atomic structure of transition metal carbides, nitrides, or carbonitrides, exhibit exceptional properties like high conductivity, mechanical flexibility, and surface reactivity, making them ideal for diverse applications. However, the intricate structure of MXenes presents significant challenges in achieving precise synthesis and processing. The "<b><i>Argonne MXene Innovations</i></b>" initiative represents a pioneering multidisciplinary approach aimed at addressing these complexities. By integrating advanced science and engineering capabilities—including supercomputing for materials design at the Argonne Leadership Computing Facility, high-resolution X-ray imaging at the Advanced Photon Source (APS), nanoscale insights from the Center for Nanoscale Materials (CNM), and synthesis expertise at the Materials Engineering Research Facility (MERF) - this initiative tackles the challenges of MXene synthesis and scale-up processes. This presentation will highlight specific subprograms within Argonne MXene Innovations - MXBat, MXCat, MXel, MXFab, MXMech, MXProtect, and MXSense - demonstrating their roles in refining energy storage, electrocatalysis, conductivity optimization, synthesis methodologies, mechanical reinforcement, surface protection, and sensing capacities of MXenes. In this presentation, We will showcase a detailed case study on aluminum-MXene composites developed under the MXel subprogram. This case study highlights collaborative achievements that drive the advancement of MXenes, emphasizing their unique structures with tunable nanoscale hierarchy, which significantly enhance composite performance. Specifically, the dispersion homogeneity of MXene-based materials with aluminum particles influences the mechanical properties of particle-reinforced metal matrix composites, improving conductivity, mechanical strength, and corrosion resistance. Furthermore, this case study demonstrates innovative approaches to optimizing the synthesis and processing of MXenes, ultimately improving their performance and broadening their application scope beyond conventional paradigms.<br/><b>Acknowledgements:</b><br/>This work is supported by the Launchpad Program from Science and Technology Partnerships and Outreach (S&TPO) at Argonne National Laboratory. We also acknowledge funding from the Laboratory Directed Research and Development (LDRD) at Argonne National Laboratory, as well as support from the U.S. Department of Energy’s Energy Efficiency & Renewable Energy (EERE) - Advanced Materials & Manufacturing Technologies Office (AMMTO).<br/><b>References: </b><br/>1. https://www.anl.gov/partnerships/revolutionizing-advanced-twodimensional-materials<br/>2. https://anl.app.box.com/s/zg1lcpwsk26vymn9337z7tcks0kdmwv4