Search Results (5)

The rise of two-dimensional (2D) materials has transformed gas sensing, with Nb₂CT_x MXene drawing significant interest due to its distinct physicochemical behaviors. As part of the MXene family, Nb₂CT_x MXene demonstrates a remarkable combination of high electrical conductivity, adjustable surface chemistry, and exceptional mechanical flexibility, positioning it as a promising candidate for next-generation gas sensors. This review explores the synthesis techniques for Nb₂CT_x MXene, highlighting etching methods and post-synthesis adjustments to achieve the tailored surface terminations and structural qualities essential for gas detection. A comprehensive examination of the crystal structure, morphology, and electronic characteristics of Nb₂CT_x MXene is presented to clarify its outstanding sensing capabilities. The application of Nb₂CT_x MXene for detecting gases, including NH₃, humidity, NO₂, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs), is assessed, showcasing its sensitivity, selectivity, and low detection limits across various environmental settings. Furthermore, the integration of Nb₂CT_x MXene with other nanostructures in sensor platforms is reviewed. Lastly, challenges related to scalability, stability, and long-term performance are addressed, along with future prospects for Nb₂CT_x MXene-based gas sensors. This review offers significant insights into the potential of Nb₂CT_x MXene as a pioneering material for enhancing gas sensing technologies. Full article

In this study, low-temperature synthesis of a Nb₂SnC non-MAX phase was carried out via solid-state reaction, and a novel approach was introduced to synthesize 2D Nb₂CT_x MXenes through selective etching of Sn from Nb₂SnC using mild phosphoric acid. Our work provides valuable insights into the field of 2D MXenes and their potential for energy storage applications. Various techniques, including XRD, SEM, TEM, EDS, and XPS, were used to characterize the samples and determine their crystal structures and chemical compositions. SEM images revealed a two-dimensional layered structure of Nb₂CT_x, which is consistent with the expected morphology of MXenes. The synthesized Nb₂CT_x showed a high specific capacitance of 502.97 Fg⁻¹ at 1 Ag⁻¹, demonstrating its potential for high-performance energy storage applications. The approach used in this study is low-cost and could lead to the development of new energy storage materials. Our study contributes to the field by introducing a unique method to synthesize 2D Nb₂CT_x MXenes and highlights its potential for practical applications. Full article

Nb₂CT_x is an important member of MXene family. It has attracted widespread attention because of its abundant functional groups, high hydrophilicity, high electrical conductivity as well as low ion transport barrier, showing great potential in various applications. In order to utilize the advantages of Nb₂CT_x MXene, the progress of preparation, properties and applications are reviewed in this work. This work focuses on different methods of Nb₂CT_x preparation and applications in electrochemical energy storage (supercapacitors and secondary batteries), electrocatalytic hydrogen evolution, photocatalytic hydrogen evolution, sensors, etc. Additionally, the main problems of self-stacking and prospect of Nb₂CT_x MXene are discussed. Full article

MXenes are progressively evolving two-dimensional (2D) materials with an expanding wide range of applications in the field of energy storage. They rank among the best electrode materials for cutting-edge energy storage systems. Energy storage device performance is greatly enhanced by MXenes and their composite materials. As technology has improved over the last several decades, the demand for high-capacity energy storage devices that are versatile, sturdy, and have cheap production costs has increased. MXene, which is based on Nb₂CT_x, is the most current material to emerge for energy storage applications. Nb₂CT_x MXene is now the most sought-after material in the 2D family due to its flexibility, high conductivity, superior electrochemical nature, superior hydrophilicity, tunable surface functional groups, great mechanical properties, and 2D layered structure. Examples include gas and biosensors, water splitting, water purification, antimicrobial coatings, electromagnetic interference shielding, and transparent electrical conductors. Because of the distinctive properties of Nb₂CT_x MXene, scientists are working on further theoretical and experimental enhancements. The objective of this work is to deliver an outline of current breakthroughs in Nb₂CT_x MXene for the construction of robust, flexible, and highly effective electrochemical energy storage devices powered by supercapacitors. Deep research has been conducted on the structure of Nb₂CT_x MXene, as well as on different synthesis techniques and their distinctive properties. The emphasis has also been placed on how various aspects, such as electrode architecture design, electrolyte composition, and so on, influence the charge storage device and electrochemical efficiency of Nb₂CT_x MXene-based supercapacitors. This article also discusses the most recent advancements in Nb₂CT_x MXene composite-based supercapacitors. Full article

Production of hydrogen from water splitting has been considered as a promising solution for energy conversion and storage. Since a noble metal-based structure is still the most satisfactory but scarce kind of catalyst, it is significant to allow for practical application of such catalysts by engineering the heterogeneous structure and developing green and facile synthetic strategies. Herein, we report a mechanochemical ball milling synthesis of platinum nanoclusters immobilized on a 2D transition metal carbide MXene (Nb₂CT_x) as an enhanced catalyst for hydrogen evolution. After annealing at 600 °C, ultrafine Pt₃Nb nanoclusters are formed on the Pt/Nb₂CT_x catalyst. As prepared, the Pt/Nb₂CT_x-600 catalyst demonstrates superior electrochemical HER activity and stability with an ultralow overpotential of 5 mV and 46 mV to achieve 10 mA cm⁻² and 100 mA cm⁻², respectively, in comparison with other Nb₂CT_x-based catalysts and commercial Pt/C catalysts. Moreover, the remarkable durability is also confirmed by accelerated durability tests (ADTs) and long-term chronoamperometry (CA) tests. The excellent HER performance was attributed to high Pt dispersion and more active site exposure by the mechanochemical process and thermal treatment. Such results suggest that the mechanochemical strategy provides a novel approach for rational design and cost-effective production of electrocatalysts, also providing other potential applications in a wide range of areas. Full article