MAX materials and MXene materials are new two-dimensional materials who have attracted much attention recently, with excellent physical, chemical, and mechanical properties, and have shown broad application prospects in many fields. This is a comprehensive guide to the properties, applications, and development trends of MAX and MXene materials.

Precisely What is MAX material?

MAX phase material is actually a layered carbon nitride inorganic non-metallic material composed of M, A, X elements around the periodic table, collectively known as “MAX phase”. M represents transition metal elements, such as titanium, zirconium, hafnium, etc., A represents the primary group elements, such as aluminum, silicon, germanium, etc., X represents carbon or nitrogen. MAX-phase materials, each atomic layer is composed of M, A, X, three of the components of the alternating composition arrangement, with hexagonal lattice structure. Because of the electrical conductivity of metal and high strength, high-temperature resistance and corrosion resistance of structural ceramics, they are popular in high-temperature structural materials, high-temperature antioxidant coatings, high-temperature lubricants, electromagnetic shielding as well as other fields.

Properties of MAX material

MAX material is really a new type of layered carbon nitride inorganic non-metallic material using the conductive and thermal conductive qualities of metal, composed of three elements with the molecular formula of Mn 1AXn (n=1, 2 or 3), where M means the transition metal, A refers back to the main-group elements, and X refers back to the aspects of C and/or N. The MXene material is really a graphene-like structure obtained by the MAX phase treatment with two-dimensional transition metal carbides, nitrides, or carbon-nitrides. MAX Phases and MXenes are novel two-dimensional nanomaterials made up of carbon, nitrogen, oxygen, and halogens.

Uses of MAX materials

(1) Structural materials: the superb physical properties of MAX materials make them have a wide range of applications in structural materials. As an example, Ti3SiC2 is a common MAX material with good high-temperature performance and oxidation resistance, which may be used to manufacture high-temperature furnaces and aero-engine components.

(2) Functional materials: Besides structural materials, MAX materials will also be used in functional materials. For example, some MAX materials have good electromagnetic shielding properties and conductivity and may be used to manufacture electromagnetic shielding covers, coatings, etc. In addition, some MAX materials also provide better photocatalytic properties, and electrochemical properties can be used in photocatalytic and electrochemical reactions.

(3) Energy materials: some MAX materials have better ionic conductivity and electrochemical properties, which may be utilized in energy materials. For instance, K4(MP4)(P4) is one in the MAX materials rich in ionic conductivity and electrochemical activity, which can be used a raw material to manufacture solid-state electrolyte materials and electrochemical energy storage devices.

What Exactly are MXene materials?

MXene materials certainly are a new type of two-dimensional nanomaterials obtained by MAX phase treatment, similar to the structure of graphene. The surface of MXene materials can interact with more functional atoms and molecules, as well as a high specific surface, good chemical stability, biocompatibility, and tunable physical properties, etc, characterize them. The preparation methods of MXene materials usually include the etching treatment of the MAX phase and also the self-templating method, etc. By adjusting the chemical composition and structure of MXene materials, the tuning of physical properties like electrical conductivity, magnetism and optics can be realized.

Properties of MXene materials

MXene materials certainly are a new form of two-dimensional transition metal carbide or nitride materials consisting of metal and carbon or nitrogen elements. These materials have excellent physical properties, including high electrical conductivity, high elasticity, good oxidation, and corrosion resistance, etc., as well as good chemical stability and the ability to maintain high strength and stability at high temperatures.

Uses of MXene materials

(1) Energy storage and conversion: MXene materials have excellent electrochemical properties and ionic conductivity and therefore are widely used in energy storage and conversion. As an example, MXene materials can be used electrode materials in supercapacitors and lithium-ion batteries, improving electrode energy density and charge/discharge speed. Additionally, MXene materials could also be used as catalysts in fuel cells to improve the action and stability in the catalyst.

(2) Electromagnetic protection: MXene materials have good electromagnetic shielding performance, and conductivity may be used in electromagnetic protection. For instance, MXene materials can be used as electromagnetic shielding coatings, electromagnetic shielding cloth, as well as other applications in electronic products and personal protection, boosting the effectiveness and stability of electromagnetic protection.

(3) Sensing and detection: MXene materials have good sensitivity and responsiveness and can be utilized in sensing and detection. For instance, MXene materials can be used gas sensors in environmental monitoring, which could realize high sensitivity and selectivity detection of gases. In addition, MXene materials could also be used as biosensors in medical diagnostics along with other fields.

Development trend of MAX and MXene Materials

As new 2D materials, MAX and MXene materials have excellent performance and application prospects. Later on, with the continuous progress of technology and science and also the improving demand for services for applications, the preparation technology, performance optimization, and application areas of MAX and MXene materials will likely be further expanded and improved. The subsequent aspects could become the focus of future research and development direction:

Preparation technology: MAX and MXene materials are mainly prepared by chemical vapor deposition, physical vapor deposition and liquid phase synthesis. Later on, new preparation technologies and methods could be further explored to understand a much more efficient, energy-saving and eco friendly preparation process.

Optimization of performance: The performance of MAX and MXene materials is definitely high, however, there is still room for additional optimization. Down the road, the composition, structure, surface treatment and other elements of the fabric can be studied and improved thorough to improve the material’s performance and stability.

Application areas: MAX materials and MXene materials happen to be commonly used in lots of fields, but you can still find many potential application areas to become explored. Later on, they can be further expanded, including in artificial intelligence, biomedicine, environmental protection as well as other fields.

In conclusion, MAX materials and MXene materials, as new two-dimensional materials with excellent physical, chemical and mechanical properties, show a broad application prospect in lots of fields. Using the continuous progress of science and technology and also the continuous improvement of application demand, the preparation technology, performance optimization and application regions of MAX and MXene materials will be further expanded and improved.

MAX and MXene Materials Supplier
TRUNNANO Luoyang Trunnano Tech Co., Ltd supply high purity and super fine MAX phase powders, such as Ti3AlC2, Ti2AlC, Ti3SiC2, V2AlC, Ti2SnC, Mo3AlC2, Nb2AlC, V4AlC3, Mo2Ga2C, Cr2AlC, Ta2AlC, Ta4AlC3, Ti3AlCN, Ti2AlN, Ti4AlN3, Nb4AlC3, etc. Send us an email or click on the needed products to send an inquiry.