(a) Locations of X/A/M elements of XAM phase, which are complementary to M/A/X elements of extensively studied MAX phase, (b) representative XAM phase with a formula of Y(CoB)2, (c,d) top and side views of corresponding exfoliated CoB XMene.
Scientific Achievement
A new class of 2D materials called XMenes (cross-meens) are predicted based on the non-van der Waals bulk XAM (cross-AM) phase.
Significance and Impact
The new XMenes significantly broaden the landscape of traditional MXenes exfoliated out of a MAX phase. This new material’s landscape is particularly promising for energy conversion (hydrogen evolution reaction), storage (anode materials), and unconventional superconductivity.
Research Details
- We extracted 2D XMenes from 636 XAM phases, established a library of 79 XMenes, and identified 24 XMenes as being thermodynamically, dynamically, mechanically, and thermally stable via density functional theory (DFT) calculations .
- Demonstrated their promise as electrocatalysts for the hydrogen evolution reaction and as an anode material for Li-ion batteries and pointed out their potential for superconductor application.
J. Gu, Z. Zhao, J. Huang, B.G. Sumpter, and Z. Chen, "MX Anti-MXenes from Non-van der Waals Bulks for Electrochemical Applications: The Merit of Metallicity and Active Basal Plane," ACS Nano 15, 6233-6242 (2021).
