Improving environmental stability of MXene films by intercalation of N-methylformamide

Abstract

MXenes are a large family of two-dimensional nanomaterials with diverse properties and potentials for electronic, photonic, energy storage, and other applications. Due to their hydrophilicity, MXenes capture water from the surrounding environment, which may lead to swelling and degradation of the assembled multi-layer films. Here we demonstrate that intercalation of N-methylformamide (NMF) leads to MXene films with improved stability at high temperatures and high humidity through host–guest hydrogen bonding. Due to strong interaction with MXene surface and occupation of the interlayer spacing, NMF mitigates intercalation of water and allows for better retention of electrical conductivity during prolonged use in hot and humid environments. Graphical abstract: [Figure not available: see fulltext.].