Liang Zhao1,Lingyi Bi2,Jiayue Hu3,Guanhui Gao4,Danzhen Zhang2,Yun Li1,Aidan Flynn1,Ruocun (John) Wang2,Ling Liu3,Yury Gogotsi2,Bo Li1
Hybrid Nano-Architectures and Advanced Manufacturing Laboratory1,A.J. Drexel Nanomaterials Institute, Drexel University2,Temple University3,Shared Equipment Authority, Rice University4
Liang Zhao1,Lingyi Bi2,Jiayue Hu3,Guanhui Gao4,Danzhen Zhang2,Yun Li1,Aidan Flynn1,Ruocun (John) Wang2,Ling Liu3,Yury Gogotsi2,Bo Li1
Hybrid Nano-Architectures and Advanced Manufacturing Laboratory1,A.J. Drexel Nanomaterials Institute, Drexel University2,Temple University3,Shared Equipment Authority, Rice University4
MXenes are promising materials for next-generation flexible electronics and wearable systems due to their excellent conductivity, low infrared emissivity, and high mechanical properties. However, in a solution-based assembly process, hydrophilic MXenes are not compatible with many polymers, especially some high-performance polymers with inert and/or hydrophobic surfaces, such as Kevlar. Unlike many harsh surface treatment methods that induce dangling bonds on the polymer surface, we proposed a universal solution-processed salt-assisted assembly (SAA) strategy that enables ultra-thin and uniform Ti<sub>3</sub>C<sub>2</sub>T<i><sub>x</sub></i> MXene coatings with high conductivity on diverse polymers without their modification. The salt added to the MXene aqueous solution neutralizes the charge, coagulates the colloid, and deposits MXene aggregates, leading to the ultrafast assembly of MXene from the solution on arbitrary polymer substrates. A library of salts has been demonstrated to be effective. Importantly, our method enables Ti<sub>3</sub>C<sub>2</sub>T<i><sub>x</sub></i> assembly on high-performance thermally stable polymers such as Kevlar fabric. This SAA strategy may significantly broaden the applications of MXene coatings.