Scientists Create Revolutionary MXene Nanoscrolls That Supercharge Battery Performance

Scientists at Drexel University have achieved a breakthrough in nanotechnology by transforming flat MXene materials into revolutionary one-dimensional nanoscrolls that dramatically improve electrical conductivity. The ultra-thin structures, about 100 times thinner than a human hair, represent a significant advance over their flat counterparts and could transform energy storage devices, biosensors, and wearable electronics. The research, published in Advanced Materials, introduces a scalable method for producing these nanoscrolls while precisely controlling their shape and chemical composition.

MXenes, discovered nearly 15 years ago, are versatile two-dimensional conductive nanomaterials that have shown promise in various applications. However, the new one-dimensional version created by rolling flat MXene flakes into tubular structures offers superior performance characteristics. "Two-dimensional morphology is very important in many applications. However, there are applications where 1D morphology is superior," said Yury Gogotsi, Distinguished University and Bach professor in Drexel's College of Engineering. "It's like comparing steel sheets to metal pipes or rebar. One needs sheets to make car bodies, but to pump water or reinforce concrete, long tubes or rods are needed."

The team's innovation addresses a fundamental limitation of flat MXenes, where layers stack on top of each other and create confined spaces that impede ion movement. The nanoscroll design eliminates this problem by creating open, tubular structures that function as highways for rapid ion transport. "With standard 2D MXenes, the flakes lay flat on top of each other, which creates a confined-space and a difficult path for ions or molecules to navigate," explained Teng Zhang, a postdoctoral researcher and co-author of the study. "By converting 2D nanosheets into 1D scrolls, we prevent this nano-confinement effect."

The manufacturing process involves carefully adjusting the chemical environment around multilayer MXene flakes using water to trigger a structural imbalance called a Janus reaction. This creates internal strain within the layers that, when released, causes them to peel apart and curl into tight scrolls. The researchers successfully applied this method to six different types of MXenes, including titanium carbide, niobium carbide, vanadium carbide, tantalum carbide, and titanium carbonitride, demonstrating the versatility of their approach.

The implications for practical applications are substantial, particularly in energy storage where the nanoscrolls' enhanced ion transport capabilities could significantly improve battery performance and charging speeds. The research team was able to consistently produce 10 grams of nanoscrolls, suggesting the method could scale for industrial applications. While similar tubular structures have been created from graphene, MXene nanoscrolls offer advantages including richer chemistry, easier processing, and higher conductivity, positioning them as potentially transformative materials for next-generation electronics and energy systems.