A groundbreaking revelation by researchers at Drexel University and Université catholique de Louvain (UCLouvain) in Belgium is challenging the long-held understanding of how materials conduct heat and electricity. While materials like metals are known for their ability to conduct both heat and electricity efficiently, MXenes, a type of two-dimensional material, have been found to be exceptional electrical conductors with remarkably low thermal conductivity.
This unexpected finding could revolutionize various industries, from construction and apparel to energy storage. “Thermal insulation of this magnitude, that is also 100 to 1,000 times thinner than a human hair, would simply have been unimaginable until now,” saeid Yury Gogotsi, Ph.D., distinguished university and Bach professor at Drexel’s collage of Engineering, who led the research team. “This could change the way we insulate buildings and industrial equipment,and make thermal clothing,just to name a few exciting possibilities.”
MXenes have already demonstrated remarkable capabilities, including strength, selective radiation blocking and filtering, and chemical filtration. However, their potential as ultrathin thermal insulators is particularly promising. Gogotsi’s earlier research in 2020 revealed MXene films capable of very low heat emission, but the underlying mechanisms remained unclear until his Belgian collaborators employed a scanning thermal microscopy technique.
Using a resistor probe that acted as both a heat source and temperature sensor, the researchers scanned the surface of titanium carbide MXene flakes, mapping heat flow and surface thermal resistance.The results were astonishing: the material maintained a nearly constant surface temperature despite contact with the probe, indicating exceptionally low thermal conductivity.
“Surprisingly, the thermal conductivity of the sample was almost one order of magnitude smaller than the value predicted by the laws that govern solid-state physics,” said Pascal [last Name Redacted], a researcher at UCLouvain.
This discovery opens up exciting possibilities for developing new materials with tailored thermal properties, potentially leading to more energy-efficient buildings, advanced thermal clothing, and improved energy storage solutions.
A groundbreaking new material could revolutionize energy conservation and thermal management across a wide range of industries. researchers at Drexel University and UCLouvain have discovered that titanium carbide MXene, a two-dimensional material, exhibits remarkably low thermal conductivity, making it a potential game-changer for insulation and heat shielding.
“At the same time,the heat loss of the titanium carbide mxene sample is a full two orders of magnitude smaller than common metals,like low-emission gold,aluminum and steel. Which means that it could be an excellent material for thermal isolation and shielding,” said Dr. michael Gehring, Ph.D., the lead author of the research from UCLouvain.
The team believes the material’s unique structure is responsible for its exceptional thermal properties. Heat typically travels through materials via two primary mechanisms: electron movement and vibrations within the material’s lattice structure, known as phonons. In titanium carbide MXene, a strong coupling between these two pathways significantly reduces overall heat transport.
This discovery builds upon previous research by the Drexel team, which demonstrated the material’s ability to efficiently reflect infrared radiation and emit very little heat. “This could be a very exciting development for worldwide energy conservation efforts,” said Dr. Yury Gogotsi, Distinguished University and Bach Professor in Drexel’s College of Engineering. “Better insulation for buildings and transportation could result in enormous energy savings and minimize unintended heating of the surroundings.”
Gogotsi envisions a future where MXene-based insulation surpasses existing materials. “Our preliminary findings already indicate that a thin coating of MXene insulation could perform as well as an inch-thick mineral felt with aluminum insulation currently used in construction. But we are confident that with further development MXene-based thermal insulation can exceed all known materials.”
The potential applications for this innovative material extend far beyond building insulation. Researchers suggest MXene could be used to coat furnaces and other thermal equipment, potentially replacing ceramic insulation and polished stainless-steel casings. Other possibilities include insulating ovens and even creating new protective shielding for aerospace vehicles.
The next phase of research will focus on testing other MXene varieties and evaluating the insulating properties of MXene coatings on different surfaces. This promising material holds immense potential to transform industries and contribute to a more enduring future.
More details:
Yubin Huang et al, Violation of the Wiedemann–Franz Law and Ultralow Thermal Conductivity of Ti3C2Tx MXene, ACS Nano (2024). DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.4c08189
Liang Zhao et al, Universal salt-assisted assembly of MXene from suspension on polymer substrates, Nature Communications (2024). DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-53840-y
Provided by Drexel University
A revolutionary new material could soon transform the way we insulate buildings, potentially leading to notable energy savings. Researchers at Drexel University have developed a thin coating of MXene, a two-dimensional material, that exhibits exceptional thermal insulation properties, rivaling those of much thicker traditional insulation layers.
“This discovery has the potential to dramatically change the way we think about insulation,” said Dr. Yury Gogotsi, a leading researcher on the project.“Imagine being able to achieve the same level of thermal protection with a coating that’s a fraction of the thickness of current insulation materials. The possibilities are truly exciting.”
Traditional insulation materials, such as fiberglass and foam, are often bulky and require significant space. The new MXene coating, though, is incredibly thin, making it ideal for applications where space is limited. This could be particularly beneficial in urban environments where building footprints are often constrained.
The researchers believe that the MXene coating could be applied to a variety of surfaces, including walls, roofs, and windows. It could also be incorporated into building materials during the manufacturing process.
“We envision a future where buildings are inherently more energy-efficient thanks to this innovative material,” said Dr. Gogotsi. “This could have a profound impact on reducing energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions.”
the team is currently working on scaling up the production of the MXene coating and exploring its potential applications in other fields, such as electronics and aerospace.
## MXene: The Surprisingly Cool Material Revolutionizing Thermal Insulation
**World Today News:** Join us for an exclusive interview wiht Dr. yury Gogotsi, Distinguished University and Bach Professor at Drexel University’s College of Engineering, a leading expert in the field of MXenes, too discuss the groundbreaking discovery of their unprecedented thermal insulation capabilities.
**World Today News:** Dr. Gogotsi, your recent research with collaborators at UCLouvain has created quite a buzz. Can you tell our readers what makes MXenes so special, particularly in the context of thermal conductivity?
**Dr. Gogotsi:** Certainly. MXenes are a family of two-dimensional materials that have shown remarkable properties since their discovery. While thay’re excellent electrical conductors, our latest findings reveal an astonishingly low thermal conductivity, particularly for titanium carbide MXene. It’s so low that it’s almost a full order of magnitude smaller than what the laws of solid-state physics would predict.
**World Today News:** This is remarkable! how does this unique characteristic translate into practical applications?
**Dr. Gogotsi:** This ultra-low thermal conductivity opens up a world of possibilities. Imagine thermal insulation that is hundreds of times thinner than existing materials while providing equivalent or even superior performance. This could revolutionize construction, leading to energy-efficient buildings with reduced heating and cooling needs.
**World Today news:** You mentioned MXenes can be incredibly thin. Could you elaborate on how this thinness benefits applications like insulation?
**Dr. Gogotsi:** Think about it this way: a thin coating of MXene could achieve the same insulating effect as a much thicker layer of conventional insulation. This means lighter, more compact, and easily adaptable insulation solutions for various applications – from buildings and industrial equipment to even clothing and aerospace technology.
**World Today News:** That’s incredible. What other potential applications do you envision for MXenes beyond insulation?
**Dr. Gogotsi:** MXenes hold immense potential across diverse industries.their extraordinary heat shielding properties could revolutionize the design of furnaces and other high-temperature equipment. They could be used to create new protective coatings for aerospace vehicles, shielding them from extreme temperatures. The possibilities are truly boundless.
**World Today News:** This research seems to have far-reaching implications for sustainability and energy conservation.
**Dr. Gogotsi:** Absolutely. By enabling the development of more efficient insulation materials,MXenes could contribute significantly to global energy conservation efforts,reducing our reliance on fossil fuels and mitigating climate change.This is a truly exciting development with the potential to reshape our future.
**World Today News:** Thank you, Dr. Gogotsi, for shedding light on this revolutionary material.
**Dr. Gogotsi:** It was my pleasure. I look forward to seeing how mxenes will continue to reshape various industries in the years to come.
**World Today News:** We eagerly anticipate those developments, Dr. Gogotsi. this research truly holds the promise of a cooler, more sustainable future.
