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New Findings of MXenes: Preparation, Properties and Applications in Biotechnology and Catalysis

A special issue of Materials (ISSN 1996-1944). This special issue belongs to the section "Advanced Nanomaterials and Nanotechnology".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 January 2021) | Viewed by 26919

Special Issue Editors


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Guest Editor
Faculty of Materials Science and Engineering, Warsaw University of Technology, Warsaw, Poland
Interests: 2D nanomaterials; MXenes; graphene family nanomaterials; stability; toxicity; environmental; biotechnology; catalysis; composite structures
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

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Guest Editor
Faculty of Materials Science and Engineering, Warsaw University of Technology, Warsaw, Poland
Interests: 2D materials; MXenes; graphene; stability; catalysis; ceramic and metallic matrix composites
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The discovery of graphene drove intensive studies towards novel two-dimensional (2D) materials. Since 2011, a specific synthesis approach has been used to create a new family of 2D transition metal carbides, nitrides, and carbonitrides from the layered MAX phases. The obtained isolated 2D sheets of the Mn+1Xn chemical formula and hexagonal structure are called MXenes. MXenes have received growing interest in recent years because of their specific properties, which make them promising candidates as alternatives to graphene. Some unique properties of MXenes have been identified, leading to the possibilities of many potential applications, and investigations on MXenes are currently at the booming stage. This Special Issue will contribute to the rapid development of the new MXene research community. We will discuss the preparation, delamination, experimental, and computational studies on MXenes properties, as well as the possibilities for their potential applications. It is expected that this potentially-rich area of a new class of 2D materials will grow rapidly as an innovations-generating field. Researchers from different fields of science and technology are invited to join the European MXenes community, and start collaborations under joint research. Accordingly, we cordially invite you to submit a manuscript for this Special Issue. Full papers, communications, and reviews that cover the aspects of synthesis–structure–property relationships, combining experiments with theoretical knowledge, as well as future directions and applications in biotechnology, catalysis, and composite structures based on MXenes and their parent MAX phases are highly welcome.

Prof. Agnieszka Jastrzębska
Dr. Jarosław Woźniak
Guest Editors

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Keywords

  • MXenes
  • MAX
  • stability
  • biotechnology
  • catalysis
  • composites

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Published Papers (7 papers)

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Editorial

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4 pages, 182 KiB  
Editorial
Special Issue: New Findings of MXenes: Preparation, Properties and Applications in Biotechnology and Catalysis
by Agnieszka M. Jastrzębska and Jarosław Woźniak
Materials 2021, 14(4), 892; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma14040892 - 13 Feb 2021
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1772
Abstract
The discovery of graphene drove intensive studies towards novel two-dimensional (2D) materials [...] Full article

Research

Jump to: Editorial

18 pages, 45291 KiB  
Article
Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of Alumina Composites with Addition of Structurally Modified 2D Ti3C2 (MXene) Phase
by Tomasz Cygan, Jaroslaw Wozniak, Mateusz Petrus, Artur Lachowski, Wojciech Pawlak, Bogusława Adamczyk-Cieślak, Agnieszka Jastrzębska, Anita Rozmysłowska-Wojciechowska, Tomasz Wojciechowski, Wanda Ziemkowska and Andrzej Olszyna
Materials 2021, 14(4), 829; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma14040829 - 10 Feb 2021
Cited by 27 | Viewed by 3949
Abstract
This study presents new findings related to the incorporation of MXene phases into ceramic. Aluminium oxide and synthesised Ti3C2 were utilised as starting materials. Knowing the tendency of MXenes to oxidation and degradation, particularly at higher temperatures, structural modifications were [...] Read more.
This study presents new findings related to the incorporation of MXene phases into ceramic. Aluminium oxide and synthesised Ti3C2 were utilised as starting materials. Knowing the tendency of MXenes to oxidation and degradation, particularly at higher temperatures, structural modifications were proposed. They consisted of creating the metallic layer on the Ti3C2, by sputtering the titanium or molybdenum. To prepare the composites, powder metallurgy and spark plasma sintering (SPS) techniques were adopted. In order to evaluate the effectiveness of the applied modifications, the emphasis of the research was placed on microstructural analysis. In addition, the mechanical properties of the obtained sinters were examined. Observations revealed significant changes in the MXenes degradation process, from porous areas with TiC particles (for unmodified Ti3C2), to in situ creation of graphitic carbon (in the case of Ti3C2-Ti/Mo). Moreover, the fracture changed from purely intergranular to cracking with high participation of transgranular mode, analogously. In addition, the results obtained showed an improvement in the mechanical properties for composites with Ti/Mo modifications (an increase of 10% and 15% in hardness and fracture toughness respectively, for specimens with 0.5 wt.% Ti3C2-Mo). For unmodified Ti3C2, enormously cracked areas with spatters emerged during tests, making the measurements impossible to perform. Full article
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16 pages, 2938 KiB  
Article
Filtration Materials Modified with 2D Nanocomposites—A New Perspective for Point-of-Use Water Treatment
by Michał Jakubczak, Ewa Karwowska, Anita Rozmysłowska-Wojciechowska, Mateusz Petrus, Jarosław Woźniak, Joanna Mitrzak and Agnieszka M. Jastrzębska
Materials 2021, 14(1), 182; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma14010182 - 02 Jan 2021
Cited by 27 | Viewed by 5741
Abstract
Point-of-use (POU) water treatment systems and devices play an essential role in limited access to sanitary safe water resources. The filtering materials applied in POU systems must effectively eliminate contaminants, be readily produced and stable, and avoid secondary contamination of the treated water. [...] Read more.
Point-of-use (POU) water treatment systems and devices play an essential role in limited access to sanitary safe water resources. The filtering materials applied in POU systems must effectively eliminate contaminants, be readily produced and stable, and avoid secondary contamination of the treated water. We report an innovative, 2D Ti3C2/Al2O3/Ag/Cu nanocomposite-modified filtration material with the application potential for POU water treatment. The material is characterized by improved filtration velocity relative to an unmodified reference material, effective elimination of microorganisms, and self-disinfecting potential, which afforded the collection of 99.6% of bacteria in the filter. The effect was obtained with nanocomposite levels as low as 1%. Surface oxidation of the modified material increased its antimicrobial efficiency. No secondary release of the nanocomposites into the filtrate was observed and confirmed the stability of the material and its suitability for practical application in water treatment. Full article
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11 pages, 4511 KiB  
Article
Influence of MXene (Ti3C2) Phase Addition on the Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of Silicon Nitride Ceramics
by Jaroslaw Wozniak, Mateusz Petrus, Tomasz Cygan, Artur Lachowski, Bogusława Adamczyk-Cieślak, Dorota Moszczyńska, Agnieszka Jastrzębska, Tomasz Wojciechowski, Wanda Ziemkowska and Andrzej Olszyna
Materials 2020, 13(22), 5221; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma13225221 - 19 Nov 2020
Cited by 18 | Viewed by 2483
Abstract
This paper discusses the influence of Ti3C2 (MXene) addition on silicon nitride and its impact on the microstructure and mechanical properties of the latter. Composites were prepared through powder processing and sintered using the spark plasma sintering (SPS) technic. Relative [...] Read more.
This paper discusses the influence of Ti3C2 (MXene) addition on silicon nitride and its impact on the microstructure and mechanical properties of the latter. Composites were prepared through powder processing and sintered using the spark plasma sintering (SPS) technic. Relative density, hardness and fracture toughness, were analyzed. The highest fracture toughness at 5.3 MPa·m1/2 and the highest hardness at HV5 2217 were achieved for 0.7 and 2 wt.% Ti3C2, respectively. Moreover, the formation of the Si2N2O phase was observed as a result of both the MXene addition and the preservation of the α-Si3N4→β-Si3N4 phase transformation during the sintering process. Full article
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16 pages, 2965 KiB  
Article
Controlling the Porosity and Biocidal Properties of the Chitosan-Hyaluronate Matrix Hydrogel Nanocomposites by the Addition of 2D Ti3C2Tx MXene
by Anita Rozmysłowska-Wojciechowska, Ewa Karwowska, Michał Gloc, Jarosław Woźniak, Mateusz Petrus, Bartłomiej Przybyszewski, Tomasz Wojciechowski and Agnieszka M. Jastrzębska
Materials 2020, 13(20), 4587; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma13204587 - 15 Oct 2020
Cited by 25 | Viewed by 3272
Abstract
A recent discovery of the unique biological properties of two-dimensional transition metal carbides (MXenes) resulted in intensive research on their application in various biotechnological areas, including polymeric nanocomposite systems. However, the true potential of MXene as an additive to bioactive natural porous composite [...] Read more.
A recent discovery of the unique biological properties of two-dimensional transition metal carbides (MXenes) resulted in intensive research on their application in various biotechnological areas, including polymeric nanocomposite systems. However, the true potential of MXene as an additive to bioactive natural porous composite structures has yet to be fully explored. Here, we report that the addition of 2D Ti3C2Tx MXene by reducing the porosity of the chitosan-hyaluronate matrix nanocomposite structures, stabilized by vitamin C, maintains their desired antibacterial properties. This was confirmed by micro computed tomography (micro-CT) visualization which enables insight into the porous structure of nanocomposites. It was also found that given large porosity of the nanocomposite a small amount of MXene (1–5 wt.%) was effective against gram-negative Escherichia coli, gram-positive Staphylococcus aureus, and Bacillus sp. bacteria in a hydrogel system. Such an approach unequivocally advances the future design approaches of modern wound healing dressing materials with the addition of MXenes. Full article
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17 pages, 846 KiB  
Article
Surface-Related Features Responsible for Cytotoxic Behavior of MXenes Layered Materials Predicted with Machine Learning Approach
by Maciej E. Marchwiany, Magdalena Birowska, Mariusz Popielski, Jacek A. Majewski and Agnieszka M. Jastrzębska
Materials 2020, 13(14), 3083; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma13143083 - 10 Jul 2020
Cited by 21 | Viewed by 2879
Abstract
To speed up the implementation of the two-dimensional materials in the development of potential biomedical applications, the toxicological aspects toward human health need to be addressed. Due to time-consuming and expensive analysis, only part of the continuously expanding family of 2D materials can [...] Read more.
To speed up the implementation of the two-dimensional materials in the development of potential biomedical applications, the toxicological aspects toward human health need to be addressed. Due to time-consuming and expensive analysis, only part of the continuously expanding family of 2D materials can be tested in vitro. The machine learning methods can be used—by extracting new insights from available biological data sets, and provide further guidance for experimental studies. This study identifies the most relevant highly surface-specific features that might be responsible for cytotoxic behavior of 2D materials, especially MXenes. In particular, two factors, namely, the presence of transition metal oxides and lithium atoms on the surface, are identified as cytotoxicity-generating features. The developed machine learning model succeeds in predicting toxicity for other 2D MXenes, previously not tested in vitro, and hence, is able to complement the existing knowledge coming from in vitro studies. Thus, we claim that it might be one of the solutions for reducing the number of toxicological studies needed, and allows for minimizing failures in future biological applications. Full article
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18 pages, 3262 KiB  
Article
Engineering of 2D Ti3C2 MXene Surface Charge and its Influence on Biological Properties
by Anita Rozmysłowska-Wojciechowska, Joanna Mitrzak, Aleksandra Szuplewska, Michał Chudy, Jarosław Woźniak, Mateusz Petrus, Tomasz Wojciechowski, Alexey S. Vasilchenko and Agnieszka M. Jastrzębska
Materials 2020, 13(10), 2347; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma13102347 - 20 May 2020
Cited by 53 | Viewed by 5596
Abstract
Current trends in the field of MXenes emphasize the importance of controlling their surface features for successful application in biotechnological areas. The ability to stabilize the surface properties of MXenes has been demonstrated here through surface charge engineering. It was thus determined how [...] Read more.
Current trends in the field of MXenes emphasize the importance of controlling their surface features for successful application in biotechnological areas. The ability to stabilize the surface properties of MXenes has been demonstrated here through surface charge engineering. It was thus determined how changing the surface charges of two-dimensional (2D) Ti3C2 MXene phase flakes using cationic polymeric poly-L-lysine (PLL) molecules affects the colloidal and biological properties of the resulting hybrid 2D nanomaterial. Electrostatic adsorption of PLL on the surface of delaminated 2D Ti3C2 flakes occurs efficiently, leads to changing an MXene’s negative surface charge toward a positive value, which can also be effectively managed through pH changes. Analysis of bioactive properties revealed additional antibacterial functionality of the developed 2D Ti3C2/PLL MXene flakes concerning Escherichia. coli Gram-negative bacteria cells. A reduction of two orders of magnitude of viable cells was achieved at a concentration of 200 mg L−1. The in vitro analysis also showed lowered toxicity in the concentration range up to 375 mg L−1. The presented study demonstrates a feasible approach to control surface properties of 2D Ti3C2 MXene flakes through surface charge engineering which was also verified in vitro for usage in biotechnology or nanomedicine applications. Full article
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