Key Findings
Researchers have discovered 33 previously unknown MXenes by mining the Materials Project and the Open Quantum Materials Database. By training a machine learning algorithm on this data, the team further identified and produced 11 new rare earth-containing MXenes. These materials exhibit properties not found in conventional MXenes, specifically semiconductivity and various magnetic characteristics, such as ferromagnetism in ytterbium-containing versions and antiferromagnetism in holmium-containing versions.
Technical Details
To expand the search, the team allowed the M element to include rare earth metals alongside transition metals, and expanded the X site to include light elements like phosphorus and oxygen. The researchers synthesized seven of the identified materials, including thorium nitride oxide, using a “self-propagating high-temperature synthesis” protocol. This method produces 2D MXenes directly, eliminating the need for continuous external heating and the etching of 3D crystals, which significantly reduces energy consumption and synthesis time compared to traditional methods.
Background and Context
MXenes are layered inorganic 2D materials first developed in 2011 by Yury Gogotsi and colleagues at Drexel University. Traditionally, they consist of a transition metal (M) and carbon or nitrogen (X). While useful for supercapacitors and dry lubricants, conventional MXenes are difficult to synthesize—often requiring harsh etchants like hydrofluoric acid—and typically lack magnetism and semiconductivity.
Significance and Outlook
The introduction of semiconducting properties may allow MXenes to be used in 2D field effect transistors with higher carrier mobility than silicon. Additionally, the magnetic properties of rare earth-based MXenes are promising for magnetic memories and spintronics. The researchers intend to further characterize the synthesis process to expand the chemical variety and range of properties achievable in these materials. Yury Gogotsi noted that the ability to move directly from inexpensive precursors to the MXene via direct synthesis is a critical advancement.
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