Periodic Reporting for period 1 - MXTRONICS (MXene Nanosheets For Future Optoelectronic Devices)
Période du rapport: 2020-11-01 au 2022-10-31
Two-dimensional (2D) materials have been of great importance in nature and in technology, owing to their intriguing properties, which are different from those of their bulk materials. Among other 2D materials, a relatively new family of 2D materials, called MXenes, based on early transition metal carbides and carbonitrides, have attracted a great deal of attention due to their outstanding physical properties that can be conveniently exploited in a wide range of applications including, sensing, optoelectronics and nonvolatile memories. At this early stage of development, large scale synthesis and processing of MXenes is lagging behind other 2D materials, leaving the opportunities for optoelectronic device applications nearly uncharted. However, the realization of a broad range of functionalities from 2D MXenes relies on the large scale synthesis and possibility of controllably modifying the intrinsic physical and chemical properties.
Within this framework, MXTRONICS aimed at developing processes to scalable synthesize of MXenes and their optoelectronic memory devices. The main goal of this project was to synthesize new 2D MXene nanosheets in large scale with tailored transport and optoelectronic properties, by controlling properties via functionalization. Also, development of optoelectronic memory devices for image capture, where plasmonic and photosensitivity of 2D MXenes were exploited.
The specific objectives of the project were:
1: Development of processes strategies for scalable synthesis of MXenes
2: Controlled functionalization of MXenes
3: Development of optoelectronic memory devices
Within this framework, MXTRONICS aimed at developing processes to scalable synthesize of MXenes and their optoelectronic memory devices. The main goal of this project was to synthesize new 2D MXene nanosheets in large scale with tailored transport and optoelectronic properties, by controlling properties via functionalization. Also, development of optoelectronic memory devices for image capture, where plasmonic and photosensitivity of 2D MXenes were exploited.
The specific objectives of the project were:
1: Development of processes strategies for scalable synthesis of MXenes
2: Controlled functionalization of MXenes
3: Development of optoelectronic memory devices
This project was divided into two parts. One part was the management, training,dissemination and exploitation and the second part was technical with the main objective of scalable synthesis of MXenes and their optoelectronic memory devices. With the travel and lab access restriction during the COVID-19 pandemic, the fellow had to adjust the project.
The management,the reporting and the communication with EC as well as the transferable skills was done on a day-by-day basis during the entire project duration. The training was received in the first months and from then on whenever necessary.
In the second technical part, the scalable synthesis of 2D Molybdenum Carbide(Mo2CTx) MXene nanosheets were synthesized and fabrication and optoelectrical electrical characterization of devices made of MXenes was performed. The scalable synthesis of 2D Mo2CTx nanosheets were achieved in two steps. First, Mo2GaC MAX phase was chemically etched by NaF and HCl mixture and in the second step these multilayer MXenes (etched particles) were delaminated in DMSO. The resulting 2DMXene nanosheets were used for further analysis and device fabrication.Several quality aspects of resulting 2D MXenes, such as control of layer number, size of nanosheets, grain size, uniformity, optical properties and defects (based on characterization of charge carrier mobility and other transport characteristics) were routinely characterized using techniques that range from electron microscopy (SEM, TEM, AFM), UV-Vis-NIR absorption spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, photoluminescence and fabrication & testing of simple field effect devices. Optoelectronic memory devices– based on different 2D MXenes– were optimized for efficient photomemory applications at different wavelengths (e.g. UV and visible).
Parts 1 and 2 of the project were completed successfully both in terms of the development of the researcher’s personal skills and the contribution to the scientific community.
The management,the reporting and the communication with EC as well as the transferable skills was done on a day-by-day basis during the entire project duration. The training was received in the first months and from then on whenever necessary.
In the second technical part, the scalable synthesis of 2D Molybdenum Carbide(Mo2CTx) MXene nanosheets were synthesized and fabrication and optoelectrical electrical characterization of devices made of MXenes was performed. The scalable synthesis of 2D Mo2CTx nanosheets were achieved in two steps. First, Mo2GaC MAX phase was chemically etched by NaF and HCl mixture and in the second step these multilayer MXenes (etched particles) were delaminated in DMSO. The resulting 2DMXene nanosheets were used for further analysis and device fabrication.Several quality aspects of resulting 2D MXenes, such as control of layer number, size of nanosheets, grain size, uniformity, optical properties and defects (based on characterization of charge carrier mobility and other transport characteristics) were routinely characterized using techniques that range from electron microscopy (SEM, TEM, AFM), UV-Vis-NIR absorption spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, photoluminescence and fabrication & testing of simple field effect devices. Optoelectronic memory devices– based on different 2D MXenes– were optimized for efficient photomemory applications at different wavelengths (e.g. UV and visible).
Parts 1 and 2 of the project were completed successfully both in terms of the development of the researcher’s personal skills and the contribution to the scientific community.
The work done in the MXTRONICS project can have a significant impact on the domain of 2D MXenes and optoelectronics. We have optimized a process for a scalable synthesis of MXenes by which one can easily functionalize and modulate opto-electronic properties of 2D MXenes without affecting the molecular unit structures. The developed 2D MXene nanosheets offer many advantages in designing opto-electronic devices.
Besides demonstrating new optoelectronic memory based on 2D MXenes, MXTRONICS resulted in state-of-the-art methods for tuning the properties of 2D materials with functional molecular systems and helped solving critical technical challenges in the key field of 2D materials-based multifunctional electronics. Critical knowledge has been produced, particularly on the chemical approaches to synthesis and functionalize 2D MXene nanosheets and impart them a multifunctional nature. This information will be crucial for developing novel energy-efficient, flexible/wearable smart materials and devices for sustaining the expansion of the IoT/IoE within our hyper-connected society, in line with important industrial megatrends that point towards smart utilities and smart environments (houses, hospitals, fabs and cities), as well as AI at the edge, which could benefit from the unique properties of multifunctional hybrid 2D materials.
The impact of this project is knowledge generation. The scientific knowledge and technical advancements achieved with MXTRONICS represent a significant contribution to the numerous efforts of the European community for taking MXene and related 2D materials from the realm of academic laboratories into practical technologies to the benefit of European society. It will make a substantial contribution to one of the EU’s main priorities on developing nanotechnologies and advanced materials.
Besides demonstrating new optoelectronic memory based on 2D MXenes, MXTRONICS resulted in state-of-the-art methods for tuning the properties of 2D materials with functional molecular systems and helped solving critical technical challenges in the key field of 2D materials-based multifunctional electronics. Critical knowledge has been produced, particularly on the chemical approaches to synthesis and functionalize 2D MXene nanosheets and impart them a multifunctional nature. This information will be crucial for developing novel energy-efficient, flexible/wearable smart materials and devices for sustaining the expansion of the IoT/IoE within our hyper-connected society, in line with important industrial megatrends that point towards smart utilities and smart environments (houses, hospitals, fabs and cities), as well as AI at the edge, which could benefit from the unique properties of multifunctional hybrid 2D materials.
The impact of this project is knowledge generation. The scientific knowledge and technical advancements achieved with MXTRONICS represent a significant contribution to the numerous efforts of the European community for taking MXene and related 2D materials from the realm of academic laboratories into practical technologies to the benefit of European society. It will make a substantial contribution to one of the EU’s main priorities on developing nanotechnologies and advanced materials.