Stretchable [2]rotaxane-bridged MXene films applicable for electroluminescent devices.

Wang, Chunyu; Gao, Boyue; Xue, Kai; Wang, Wenbin; Zhao, Jun; Bai, Ruixue; Yun, Tinghao; Fan, Zhiwei et al. · Sci Adv · 2025

basic_science · Level V

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Abstract

Titanium carbide (Ti<sub>3</sub>C<sub>2</sub>T<i><sub>X</sub></i>) MXene has prominent mechanical properties and electrical conductivity. However, fabricating high-performance macroscopic films is challenging, as weak interlayer interactions limit their mechanical performance. Here, we introduce [2]rotaxane, a mechanically interlocked molecule, to enhance MXene films. Compared to pure MXene (fracture strain: 4.6%, toughness: 0.6 MJ/m<sup>3</sup>), [2]rotaxane-bridged MXene (RBM) films achieve record-high strain (20.0%) and toughness (11.9 MJ/m<sup>3</sup>) with only 3.6% [2]rotaxane by weight. Additionally, RBM films endure 500 stretch cycles (0 to 15% strain) with stable and reversible resistance alterations, making them ideal for stretchable electrodes. Notably, RBM films enable stretchable electroluminescent devices with reliable operation under 20% elongation and customizable luminescent patterns. This innovative use of mechanically interlocked molecules to cross-link MXene platelets advances MXene films and other two-dimensional materials in stretchable electronics.