Actuation performance of MXenes in response to moisture gradients: A systematic investigation

• Published in: Talanta (Oxford) 2025-05, Vol.286, p.127349, Article 127349
• Main Authors: Su, Heng, Liu, Chuanfang, Xu, Huajun, Qiao, He, Xiao, Meng, Zhao, Zhenxuan, Gao, Yu, Liang, Hengnan
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Atomic layers; Humidity-responsive actuators; MXenes; Surface oxygen content
• ISSN: 0039-9140; 1873-3573; 1873-3573
• DOI: 10.1016/j.talanta.2024.127349

Humidity-responsive actuators (HRA) have garnered significant interest across various domains. Since 2020, MXene have been extensively studied for their potential in HRA, demonstrating remarkable performance. Thus far, more than 70 MXene materials have been found. However, no systematic research regarding the distinctions in their applications in the field of HRA has been carried out, limiting the exploration of their broader potential. Herein, a systematic investigation of the HRA performance within the MXene (Nb2CTx, V2CTx, Ti3C2Tx, and Nb4C3Tx) family has been conducted. The influences of atomic layer number, oxygen content, transition metal elements, film thickness, and moisture gradient on the actuation performance are thoroughly examined. It is demonstrated that the number of atomic layers plays an indispensably critical role in both the bending angle and the response/recovery time. Nb2CTx and V2CTx with fewer atomic layers show excellent performance. At 50 % relative humidity, their maximum bending angles reach 210° and 202° respectively. The HRA are exemplified by the creation of a bionic butterfly and an intelligent switch, showcasing its broad application potential. [Display omitted] •MXene family's humidity-responsive actuation (HRA) performance has been systematically studied.•First proposed: The number of MXene's atomic layers is a key factor for HRA performance.•At ΔRH = 50 %, Nb2CTx has a 210° max bending angle and 105° s⁻1 response speed, significantly outperforming Ti₃C₂Tₓ.