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Are MXenes viable as conductive, transparent films for industrial applications?

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Title: Are MXenes viable as conductive, transparent films for industrial applications?
Authors: Guo, Tiezhu1,2 (AUTHOR), Deng, Shungui2 (AUTHOR), Schneider, Rene2 (AUTHOR), Zhang, Chuanfang2 (AUTHOR) ruoshuang123@gmail.com, Heier, Jakob2 (AUTHOR) Jakob.heier@empa.ch
Source: Science & Technology of Advanced Materials. Dec2025, Vol. 26 Issue 1, p1-8. 8p.
Subjects: Electric conductivity, Optical conductivity, Transition metal nitrides, Electrodes, Semiconductor films, Nanostructured materials, Surface resistance, Industrial applications
Abstract: Two-dimensional transition metal carbides and nitrides, so-called MXenes, hold significant promise as flexible transparent conductive electrodes (TCEs) in diverse applications. However, MXenes fall below the minimum requirements for industrial use, largely due to factors such as the quality of MXene flakes, electrical conductivity, optical conductivity, and transparent electrode fabrication techniques. In this study, we analyze the relationships among nanosheet size, DC- and optical conductivity and its ratio (${\sigma _{DC}}$ σ DC / ${\sigma _{op}}$ σ op ), and sheet resistance (Rs) of MXene TCEs based on data from published literature. Compared to Ti3C2Tx TCEs fabricated with low-quality, small-sized flakes (<1 μm, ${\sigma _{DC}}$ σ DC / ${\sigma _{op}}$ σ op < 10), those made with high-quality, large-sized nanosheets (>6 μm, ${\sigma _{DC}}$ σ DC / ${\sigma _{op}}$ σ op > 20) with narrow size distributions exhibit dramatically reduced Rs by several orders of magnitude while maintaining high transmittance. Nevertheless, the ${\sigma _{DC}}$ σ DC / ${\sigma _{op}}$ σ op of continuous Ti3C2Tx metallic TCEs saturates at ~24, fairly below the basic requirements for commercial TCEs. By integrating a metallic silver grid onto Ti3C2Tx TCEs, a remarkable ${\sigma _{DC}}$ σ DC / ${\sigma _{op}}$ σ op ratio of 330 has been achieved, bringing MXene TCEs closer to fulfilling industrial application standards and inspiring greater confidence in their future adoption. Beyond the field of TCEs, the insights gained here could inspire advancements in other areas, such as optoelectronic devices, flexible displays, and energy-efficient transparent technologies. This work provides a framework for the design and development of next-generation transparent conductive materials with broad implications across various scientific and industrial domains. IMPACT STATEMENT: A coated MXene film alone cannot meet industrial standards for transparent conductive electrodes; however, when integrated with a printed silver grid, it successfully achieves the required transparency and conductivity levels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
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Abstract:Two-dimensional transition metal carbides and nitrides, so-called MXenes, hold significant promise as flexible transparent conductive electrodes (TCEs) in diverse applications. However, MXenes fall below the minimum requirements for industrial use, largely due to factors such as the quality of MXene flakes, electrical conductivity, optical conductivity, and transparent electrode fabrication techniques. In this study, we analyze the relationships among nanosheet size, DC- and optical conductivity and its ratio (${\sigma _{DC}}$ σ DC / ${\sigma _{op}}$ σ op ), and sheet resistance (Rs) of MXene TCEs based on data from published literature. Compared to Ti3C2Tx TCEs fabricated with low-quality, small-sized flakes (<1 μm, ${\sigma _{DC}}$ σ DC / ${\sigma _{op}}$ σ op < 10), those made with high-quality, large-sized nanosheets (>6 μm, ${\sigma _{DC}}$ σ DC / ${\sigma _{op}}$ σ op > 20) with narrow size distributions exhibit dramatically reduced Rs by several orders of magnitude while maintaining high transmittance. Nevertheless, the ${\sigma _{DC}}$ σ DC / ${\sigma _{op}}$ σ op of continuous Ti3C2Tx metallic TCEs saturates at ~24, fairly below the basic requirements for commercial TCEs. By integrating a metallic silver grid onto Ti3C2Tx TCEs, a remarkable ${\sigma _{DC}}$ σ DC / ${\sigma _{op}}$ σ op ratio of 330 has been achieved, bringing MXene TCEs closer to fulfilling industrial application standards and inspiring greater confidence in their future adoption. Beyond the field of TCEs, the insights gained here could inspire advancements in other areas, such as optoelectronic devices, flexible displays, and energy-efficient transparent technologies. This work provides a framework for the design and development of next-generation transparent conductive materials with broad implications across various scientific and industrial domains. IMPACT STATEMENT: A coated MXene film alone cannot meet industrial standards for transparent conductive electrodes; however, when integrated with a printed silver grid, it successfully achieves the required transparency and conductivity levels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
ISSN:14686996
DOI:10.1080/14686996.2025.2597556