Molecular Engineering of MXene-Covalent-Triazine Framework Interfaces for Electrochemical Actuators.
basic_science · Level V
Where this comes from
- Record sourced from PubMed, PMID 40590702.
- Also identified by DOI 10.1021/acsnano.5c04154 and PMC identifier 12365921.
- Licence recorded as CC BY.
- The licence permits redistribution, so the abstract is shown in full and the full text is available from the publisher.
Abstract
Developing multifunctional nanomaterials for soft electrochemical actuators and energy storage devices is crucial for advancing next-generation soft robotics, wearable electronics, and bioinspired technologies. However, existing electrode materials face fundamental trade-offs among electronic conductivity, charge storage capacity, and ion transport efficiency. Here, we report a molecularly engineered hybrid nanoarchitecture that achieves the physicochemical stabilization of MXene terminals by the <i>in situ</i> growth of 4<i>H</i>-pyran functionalized, electronically conjugated covalent-triazine frameworks (MXene-CTF). The integration of MXene and CTFs forms a synergistic active electrode for superior supercapacitors and actuators by offering significantly enlarged interactive surface areas, a well-developed network of nanoporous channels, and enhanced electrical conductivity. The MXene-CTF electrode provides an eminent energy density of 159.8 Wh kg<sup>-1</sup> at a power density of 150 W kg<sup>-1</sup> in a supercapacitor configuration with a nonaqueous ionic liquid electrolyte. Also, it achieves a bending strain of 1.1% and a blocking force of 5.8 mN, with a rapid response time of 1.4 s and a phase delay of 0.15 rad under an ultralow input potential of 0.5 V in a soft actuator configuration. This work unveils a strategy for the molecular-level synergistic integration of MXene with CTFs, offering a promising pathway for the development of high-performance energy storage and electrochemical actuation technologies.