About
MXenes
MXenes are a category of two-dimensional (2D) materials derived from transition metal carbides, nitrides, or carbonitrides. Renowned for their exceptional electrical conductivity, hydrophilicity, and customizable surface chemistry, they have attracted considerable interest due to their broad range of applications. MXenes possess ... outstanding mechanical strength, thermal stability, and electrochemical properties, making them highly suitable for energy storage systems such as batteries and supercapacitors. Additionally, they are used in water purification, catalysis, sensors, and electromagnetic shielding. Their layered structure allows for easy modification, enabling diverse functional uses across multiple industries.
MBenes
MBenes are an emerging class of two-dimensional (2D) materials derived from transition metal borides, similar to MXenes but with boron atoms replacing carbon or nitrogen. These materials exhibit remarkable mechanical, electrical, and thermal properties, making them highly promising for a range of applications. MBenes are known ...for their high electrical conductivity, excellent chemical stability, and tunable surface properties, all thanks to their layered structure. They also have significant charge storage capacities and are chemically active, making them ideal candidates for energy storage systems like batteries and supercapacitors, as well as for catalysis, sensors, and electronic devices, especially in applications that require efficient charge transfer and stability under extreme conditions.
Energy Storage
Our group is engaged in investigating the properties of MXene and its composites for energy storage electrodes. MXenes' metallic conductivity combined with their hydrophilic nature makes them well-suited for hybrid supercapacitors, where they deliver high energy density, good rate capability, and superior electrochemical ...performance compared to traditional electrode materials.
Data Storage
We also focus on experimental and computational research related to data storage applications of 2D materials and their integration into tri-layer memristor devices. The exceptional functionality of MXene, due to its surface terminations and other 2D materials, allows for tuning electronic and conductive properties, ranging from... conductive to insulated behavior. This adaptability is particularly valuable in neuromorphic computing, where the conductor-insulator behavior of devices is crucial for simulating pre- and post-synaptic neurons. We also use Density Functional Theory (DFT) calculations, employing various softwares, to simulate the electronic, magnetic, and optical properties of these materials. Our group was the first to demonstrate the use of MXene as an active layer in resistive RAM devices, exhibiting remarkable stability, retention, and memory window.
Photocatalysis & Water Splitting
Pharmaceuticals and organic dyes in water pose serious risks to health and ecosystems, necessitating effective removal methods. Photocatalytic degradation is an efficient way to break down harmful compounds, and MXene-based catalysts have recently gained attention for their high surface area, surface functional groups, and ... ability to improve charge separation, making them effective co-catalysts. Water splitting, a key process for producing clean hydrogen fuel, requires efficient catalysts to overcome high overpotentials. MXenes, with their tunable electronic properties, large surface area, and excellent conductivity, enhance hydrogen and oxygen evolution reactions, making them promising alternatives to traditional water-splitting catalysts.
Magnetism & Ferroelectrics
Our research group explores the potential of materials like MXenes and others to transform ferroelectric, magnetic, multiferroic, and superconductivity technologies. We focus on the unique characteristics of these materials, including their adjustable surface terminations and magnetic and electronic properties, to design and ... develop innovative materials with improved performance for applications in FRAM, spintronics, multifunctional devices, and more.