Development of 'Chameleon MXene' That Can Change Structure for 6G and Battery Performance [Reading Science]

Selective Implementation of Electromagnetic Shielding and Energy Storage Functions via Carbon Composition Control
Achieves 100 GHz Ultra-High Frequency Shielding Performance... Promising for Next-Generation Flexible Electronic Devices

A team of Korean researchers has developed a technology that enables the deliberate alteration of the structure and functionality of the next-generation advanced material 'MXene' by adjusting its carbon composition. With this breakthrough, a single material can now be custom-designed for electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding or battery applications, increasing the potential for its use in 6th generation (6G) mobile communications, autonomous driving radars, and next-generation energy storage devices.

The National Research Foundation of Korea announced on May 21 that the research team led by Professors Sunyong Kwon and Eunmi Choi of Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology (UNIST) successfully achieved selective design of MXene structures and functionalities during the synthesis stage by precisely controlling the carbon composition in the MXene precursor (MAX).

Schematic illustrating the process by which the MXene structure and functionality change according to the precursor carbon composition. In carbon-rich precursors, a planar nanosheet structure is formed, enhancing ultra-high frequency electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding performance, while in carbon-deficient precursors, a nanoscroll structure is formed, enabling supercapacitor characteristics with high ion mobility. Provided by Professor Soonyong Kwon, UNIST

This research was supported by the Nano and Materials Technology Development Program promoted by the Ministry of Science and ICT and the National Research Foundation of Korea. The results were published on May 18 in Advanced Materials, an international journal in the field of materials science.

MXene is a two-dimensional nanomaterial in which layers of metal and carbon alternate. It is called a "dream material" for next-generation batteries, semiconductors, and sensors, thanks to its excellent electrical conductivity and the ability to design a variety of compounds.

Recently, as next-generation electronic devices such as 6G communications, autonomous driving radars, and satellite communications rapidly move to ultra-high frequency environments, the importance of ultrathin shielding technology to block electromagnetic interference (EMI) has been growing significantly.

Existing metal-based shielding materials offer excellent performance but are heavy and prone to corrosion, posing limitations for use in flexible and lightweight electronic devices. As a result, MXene, with its high conductivity and flexibility, has attracted attention as an alternative material.

"Realized on a Single Platform for Both Shielding and Battery Applications"

The research team controlled the functionality by changing the structure itself, adjusting the carbon composition of the MAX precursor—the material at the stage before MXene formation.

Under carbon-rich conditions, a planar nanosheet structure with high electrical conductivity was formed. This structure demonstrated both high electromagnetic shielding performance and excellent flexural durability in the 100 GHz ultra-high frequency band.

Conversely, in a carbon-deficient environment, a scroll-like 'nanoscale scroll' structure formed spontaneously. This structure widened the ion transport pathways, enabling fast energy storage performance with high capacity and long lifespan characteristics.

The research team explained that this study demonstrated the ability to custom-design planar sheets for electromagnetic shielding and scroll structures for energy storage on a single platform simply by adjusting the precursor composition.

First author Jaeun Park stated, "We experimentally confirmed that planar sheets are advantageous for electromagnetic shielding, while nanoscale scrolls are better suited for energy storage," adding, "This allows us to design different application directions from a single material platform."

Professor Sunyong Kwon commented, "Last year, we improved the conductivity and broadband shielding performance of MXene through nitrogen substitution. This time, we advanced to the stage of designing the MXene structure itself solely by adjusting the precursor composition. We have confirmed the possibility of flexible shielding materials for next-generation 6G and radar environments, by achieving both ultrathinness and high shielding performance as well as flexural durability in the 100 GHz band."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.