Two-dimensional transition metal carbides (MXenes) for electrochemical sensing

Description:
Since their discovery in 2011, two-dimensional (2D) transition metal carbides (MXenes) have gained most popularity in electrochemical applications. Their pseudocapacitve behavior combined with high electrical conductivity make these 2D materials attractive for energy storage devices. Most recently, it has been demonstrated that MXenes, commonly Ti3C2Tx, can also be used in electrochemical sensors to enhance their sensitivity and limit of detection towards a variety of analytes. However, their use within heterostructures containing other electroactive materials disable the understanding of MXenes in electron transfer mechanisms, and therefore impede their tailorable optimization. Our work focuses on investigating pristine MXenes to understand their potential as building blocks of electrodes for electroanalysis. For example, the surface chemistry of MXenes is rarely discussed yet, essential for most electron transfer mechanisms between the electrode and the analyte. We have begun by studying the two cross-sectional planes of orderly stacked MXene flakes. Differences in kinetic parameters as well as electron transfer mechanisms observed are attributed to the basal and edge planes of MXene flakes. Moreover, the family of MXenes provides a large selection of different composition and structures that has not been exploited for electrochemical sensing. In this talk we emphasize the relevant advantages of MXenes towards electrochemical sensors and their industrialization such as tailorability, reproducibility and flexibility

Speaker: Natalia Noriega - University of Brighton