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NanotechProgress

MXenes

MXenes (said "maxenes") are a family of materials a few atoms thick, made of a metal such as titanium bonded to carbon or nitrogen. They conduct electricity well and can be coated onto surfaces such as fabric.

Drexel University EXEL magazine, 2021
Material · how far it has got1/5Lab discovery

How far from your life: Usually 10 years or more from products, and most never get there.

Independently sourced

From lab to your life

Why it’s on step 1

  1. 1Lab discovery
  2. 2Working prototype
  3. 3Real-world testing
  4. 4Approved or on sale
  5. 5Everyday life

The rule

Shown in a lab or a computer model, in a published paper or preprint, with nothing on record beyond it yet.

The short version

What you need to know

Why it matters

Drexel researchers say a MXene coating can block and absorb electronic interference better than any known material, which could shield electronics.

Drexel University EXEL magazine, 2021
Is it really nano?

Truly nano

MXenes are sheets only a few atoms thick; their properties come from that.

Drexel University EXEL magazine, 2021
Who’s behind it

Discovered at Drexel University in 2011; studied in labs worldwide

On the record

Every step, dated

Newest first. Company-reported means the only source so far is the company itself.

  1. Published research

    Researchers in Drexel University's materials science department discovered MXenes.

    Drexel University EXEL magazine, 2021