Two-dimensional MXene hollow fiber membrane for divalent ions exclusion from water

Two-dimensional material membranes with fast transport channels and versatile chemical functionality are promising for molecular separation.Herein,for the first time,we reported design and engineering of two-dimensional Ti_(3)C_(2)Tx MXene(called transition metal carbides and nitrides)membranes supported on asymmetric polymeric hollow fiber substrate for water desalination.The membrane morphology,physicochemical properties and ions exclusion performance were systematically investigated.The results demonstrated that surface hydrophilicity and electrostatic repulsion and size sieving effect of interlayer channels synergistically endowed the MXene hollow fiber membrane with fast water permeation and efficient rejection of divalent ions during nanofiltration process.

Interfacial assembly of two-dimensional MXenes

Two-dimensional(2D) transition metal carbides, carbonitrides and nitrides, known as MXenes, are emerging quickly at the frontiers of 2D materials world. Their exotic properties such as the highest electrical conductivity among all solution-processed 2 D materials, the best electromagnetic interference shielding performance outperforming that of copper or aluminum at a nanoscale thickness, as well as the highest volumetric capacitance for pseudocapacitors, have been attracting extensive fundamental research and applications. Their unique surface chemistries, that is, hydrophilic groups terminated on the surface of MXenes after etching and delamination, enable plenty of opportunities for assembling into MXene building blocks. Particularly, assembling at liquid–liquid, liquid–solid, liquid–air, and solid–solid interfaces allows the efficient fabrication of various structures, including MXene surfactants, MXene heterostructures, MXene transparent films. Interfacial assembly of MXenes is of significance in unveiling more versatilities of MXenes as well as impacts on novel MXene-based architectures, based on which enhanced performance of devices is achieved. As such, this review focuses on the interfacial assembly of MXenes, explaining mechanisms behind various assembling and providing classical examples for corresponding interfacial assembling techniques. Applications of these as-assembled architectures are also discussed in brief. We believe this review may shed light on the interfacial chemistry of MXenes, thus guiding more efficient fabrication of MXene-based functional films/coatings/electrodes/devices.

Perspectives on electrochemical nitrogen fixation catalyzed by two-dimensional MXenes

Ammonia is the most basic raw material in industrial and agricultural production.The current industrial production of ammonia relies on the Haber-Bosch process with high energy consumption.To overcome this shortcoming,the development of electrocatalytic ammonia synthesis under moderate conditions is considered as a potential alternative technology.The two-dimensional(2D)MXenes family has been proved promising as electrocatalysts,but from the currently available literature,it is hard to find a systematic review on MXenes-catalyzed ammonia synthesis.So in the present review,we summarize the key perspectives on that topic in recent years as well as outline,from a prospective view,strategies of catalyst design.We analyze in detail the methods for preparing high performance MXenes-based catalysts and the corresponding underlying mechanisms,and also discuss the criteria and potential challenges,expecting to provide inspiration for the development of efficient MXenes-based route to electrochemical ammonia fixation.

Alternating spin splitting of electronic and magnon bands in two-dimensional altermagnetic materials

Unconventional antiferromagnetism dubbed as altermagnetism was first discovered in rutile structured magnets,which is featured by spin splitting even without the spin–orbital coupling effect.This interesting phenomenon has been discovered in more altermagnetic materials.In this work,we explore two-dimensional altermagnetic materials by studying two series of two-dimensional magnets,including MF4 with M covering all 3d and 4d transition metal elements,as well as TS2 with T=V,Cr,Mn,Fe.Through the magnetic symmetry operation of RuF4 and MnS2,it is verified that breaking the time inversion is a necessary condition for spin splitting.Based on symmetry analysis and first-principles calculations,we find that the electronic bands and magnon dispersion experience alternating spin splitting along the same path.This work paves the way for exploring altermagnetism in two-dimensional materials.

Progress on two-dimensional ferrovalley materials

The electron's charge and spin degrees of freedom are at the core of modern electronic devices. With the in-depth investigation of two-dimensional materials, another degree of freedom, valley, has also attracted tremendous research interest. The intrinsic spontaneous valley polarization in two-dimensional magnetic systems, ferrovalley material, provides convenience for detecting and modulating the valley. In this review, we first introduce the development of valleytronics.Then, the valley polarization forms by the p-, d-, and f-orbit that are discussed. Following, we discuss the investigation progress of modulating the valley polarization of two-dimensional ferrovalley materials by multiple physical fields, such as electric, stacking mode, strain, and interface. Finally, we look forward to the future developments of valleytronics.

Recent advances in two-dimensional photovoltaic devices

Two-dimensional(2D)materials have attracted tremendous interest in view of the outstanding optoelectronic properties,showing new possibilities for future photovoltaic devices toward high performance,high specific power and flexibility.In recent years,substantial works have focused on 2D photovoltaic devices,and great progress has been achieved.Here,we present the review of recent advances in 2D photovoltaic devices,focusing on 2D-material-based Schottky junctions,homojunctions,2D−2D heterojunctions,2D−3D heterojunctions,and bulk photovoltaic effect devices.Furthermore,advanced strategies for improving the photovoltaic performances are demonstrated in detail.Finally,conclusions and outlooks are delivered,providing a guideline for the further development of 2D photovoltaic devices.

Unlocking the potential of ultra-thin two-dimensional antimony materials:Selective growth and carbon coating for efficient potassium-ion storage

Antimony-based anodes have attracted wide attention in potassium-ion batteries due to their high theoretical specific capacities(∼660 mA h g^(-1))and suitable voltage platforms.However,severe capacity fading caused by huge volume change and limited ion transportation hinders their practical applications.Recently,strategies for controlling the morphologies of Sb-based materials to improve the electrochemical performances have been proposed.Among these,the two-dimensional Sb(2D-Sb)materials present excellent properties due to shorted ion immigration paths and enhanced ion diffusion.Nevertheless,the synthetic methods are usually tedious,and even the mechanism of these strategies remains elusive,especially how to obtain large-scale 2D-Sb materials.Herein,a novel strategy to synthesize 2D-Sb material using a straightforward solvothermal method without the requirement of a complex nanostructure design is provided.This method leverages the selective adsorption of aldehyde groups in furfural to induce crystal growth,while concurrently reducing and coating a nitrogen-doped carbon layer.Compared to the reported methods,it is simpler,more efficient,and conducive to the production of composite nanosheets with uniform thickness(3–4 nm).The 2D-Sb@NC nanosheet anode delivers an extremely high capacity of 504.5 mA h g^(-1) at current densities of 100 mA g^(-1) and remains stable for more than 200 cycles.Through characterizations and molecular dynamic simulations,how potassium storage kinetics between 2D Sb-based materials and bulk Sb-based materials are explored,and detailed explanations are provided.These findings offer novel insights into the development of durable 2D alloy-based anodes for next-generation potassium-ion batteries.

Recent progress on valley polarization and valley-polarized topological states in two-dimensional materials

Valleytronics, using valley degree of freedom to encode, process, and store information, may find practical applications in low-power-consumption devices. Recent theoretical and experimental studies have demonstrated that twodimensional(2D) honeycomb lattice systems with inversion symmetry breaking, such as transition-metal dichalcogenides(TMDs), are ideal candidates for realizing valley polarization. In addition to the optical field, lifting the valley degeneracy of TMDs by introducing magnetism is an efficient way to manipulate the valley degree of freedom. In this paper, we first review the recent progress on valley polarization in various TMD-based systems, including magnetically doped TMDs,intrinsic TMDs with both inversion and time-reversal symmetry broken, and magnetic TMD heterostructures. When topologically nontrivial bands are empowered into valley-polarized systems, valley-polarized topological states, namely valleypolarized quantum anomalous Hall effect can be realized. Therefore, we have also reviewed the theoretical proposals for realizing valley-polarized topological states in 2D honeycomb lattices. Our paper can help readers quickly grasp the latest research developments in this field.

Global dust density in two-dimensional complex plasma

The driven-dissipative Langevin dynamics simulation is used to produce a two-dimensional(2D) dense cloud, which is composed of charged dust particles trapped in a quadratic potential. A 2D mesh grid is built to analyze the center-to-wall dust density. It is found that the local dust density in the outer region relative to that of the inner region is more nonuniform,being consistent with the feature of quadratic potential. The dependences of the global dust density on equilibrium temperature, particle size, confinement strength, and confinement shape are investigated. It is found that the particle size, the confinement strength, and the confinement shape strongly affect the global dust density, while the equilibrium temperature plays a minor effect on it. In the direction where there is a stronger confinement, the dust density gradient is bigger.

Anomalous valley Hall effect in two-dimensional valleytronic materials

The anomalous valley Hall effect(AVHE)can be used to explore and utilize valley degrees of freedom in materials,which has potential applications in fields such as information storage,quantum computing and optoelectronics.AVHE exists in two-dimensional(2D)materials possessing valley polarization(VP),and such 2D materials usually belong to the hexagonal honeycomb lattice.Therefore,it is necessary to achieve valleytronic materials with VP that are more readily to be synthesized and applicated experimentally.In this topical review,we introduce recent developments on realizing VP as well as AVHE through different methods,i.e.,doping transition metal atoms,building ferrovalley heterostructures and searching for ferrovalley materials.Moreover,2D ferrovalley systems under external modulation are also discussed.2D valleytronic materials with AVHE demonstrate excellent performance and potential applications,which offer the possibility of realizing novel low-energy-consuming devices,facilitating further development of device technology,realizing miniaturization and enhancing functionality of them.

Boosting MA-based two-dimensional Ruddlesden-Popper perovskite solar cells by incorporating a binary spacer

Two-dimensional Ruddlesden-Popper(2DRP)perovskite exhibits excellent stability in perovskite solar cells(PSCs)due to introducing hydrophobic long-chain organic spacers.However,the poor charge transporting property of bulky organic cation spacers limits the performance of 2DRP PSCs.Inspired by the Asite cation alloying strategy in 3D perovskites,2DRP perovskites with a binary spacer can promote charge transporting compared to the unary spacer counterparts.Herein,the superior MA-based 2DRP perovskite films with a binary spacer,including 3-guanidinopropanoic acid(GPA)and 4-fluorophenethylamine(FPEA)are realized.These films(GPA_(0.85)FPEA_(0.15))_(2)MA_(4)Pb_5I_(16)show good morphology,large grain size,decreased trap state density,and preferential orientation of the as-prepared film.Accordingly,the present 2DRP-based PSC with the binary spacer achieves a remarkable efficiency of 18.37%with a V_(OC)of1.15 V,a J_(SC)of 20.13 mA cm^(-2),and an FF of 79.23%.To our knowledge,the PCE value should be the highest for binary spacer MA-based 2DRP(n≤5)PSCs to date.Importantly,owing to the hydrophobic fluorine group of FPEA and the enhanced interlayer interaction by FPEA,the unencapsulated 2DRP PSCs based on binary spacers exhibit much excellent humidity stability and thermal stability than the unary spacer counterparts.

Low-frequency hybridized excess vibrations of two-dimensional glasses

One hallmark of glasses is the existence of excess vibrational modes at low frequenciesωbeyond Debye’s prediction.Numerous studies suggest that understanding low-frequency excess vibrations could help gain insight into the anomalous mechanical and thermodynamic properties of glasses.However,there is still intensive debate as to the frequency dependence of the population of low-frequency excess vibrations.In particular,excess modes could hybridize with phonon-like modes and the density of hybridized excess modes has been reported to follow D_(exc)(ω)~ω^(2)in 2D glasses with an inverse power law potential.Yet,the universality of the quadratic scaling remains unknown,since recent work suggested that interaction potentials could influence the scaling of the vibrational spectrum.Here,we extend the universality of the quadratic scaling for hybridized excess modes in 2D to glasses with potentials ranging from the purely repulsive soft-core interaction to the hard-core one with both repulsion and attraction as well as to glasses with significant differences in density or interparticle repulsion.Moreover,we observe that the number of hybridized excess modes exhibits a decrease in glasses with higher density or steeper interparticle repulsion,which is accompanied by a suppression of the strength of the sound attenuation.Our results indicate that the density bears some resemblance to the repulsive steepness of the interaction in influencing low-frequency properties.

Emerging two-dimensional Mo-based materials for rechargeable metal-ion batteries:Advances and perspectives

With the rapid development of rechargeable metal-ion batteries(MIBs)with safety,stability and high energy density,significant efforts have been devoted to exploring high-performance electrode materials.In recent years,two-dimensional(2D)molybdenum-based(Mo-based)materials have drawn considerable attention due to their exceptional characteristics,including low cost,unique crystal structure,high theoretical capacity and controllable chemical compositions.However,like other transition metal compounds,Mo-based materials are facing thorny challenges to overcome,such as slow electron/ion transfer kinetics and substantial volume changes during the charge and discharge processes.In this review,we summarize the recent progress in developing emerging 2D Mo-based electrode materials for MIBs,encompassing oxides,sulfides,selenides,carbides.After introducing the crystal structure and common synthesis methods,this review sheds light on the charge storage mechanism of several 2D Mo-based materials by various advanced characterization techniques.The latest achievements in utilizing 2D Mo-based materials as electrode materials for various MIBs(including lithium-ion batteries(LIBs),sodium-ion batteries(SIBs)and zinc-ion batteries(ZIBs))are discussed in detail.Afterwards,the modulation strategies for enhancing the electrochemical performance of 2D Mo-based materials are highlighted,focusing on heteroatom doping,vacancies creation,composite coupling engineering and nanostructure design.Finally,we present the existing challenges and future research directions for 2D Mo-based materials to realize high-performance energy storage systems.

Image segmentation of exfoliated two-dimensional materials by generative adversarial network-based data augmentation

Mechanically cleaved two-dimensional materials are random in size and thickness.Recognizing atomically thin flakes by human experts is inefficient and unsuitable for scalable production.Deep learning algorithms have been adopted as an alternative,nevertheless a major challenge is a lack of sufficient actual training images.Here we report the generation of synthetic two-dimensional materials images using StyleGAN3 to complement the dataset.DeepLabv3Plus network is trained with the synthetic images which reduces overfitting and improves recognition accuracy to over 90%.A semi-supervisory technique for labeling images is introduced to reduce manual efforts.The sharper edges recognized by this method facilitate material stacking with precise edge alignment,which benefits exploring novel properties of layered-material devices that crucially depend on the interlayer twist-angle.This feasible and efficient method allows for the rapid and high-quality manufacturing of atomically thin materials and devices.

Single-cell manipulation by two-dimensional micropatterning

Cells are highly sensitive to their geometrical and mechanical microenvironment that directly regulate cell shape,cytoskeleton and organelle,as well as the nucleus morphology and genetic expression.The emerging two-dimensional micropatterning techniques offer powerful tools to construct controllable and well-organized microenvironment for single-cell level investigations with qualitative analysis,cellular standardization,and in vivo environment mimicking.Here,we provide an overview of the basic principle and characteristics of the two most widely-used micropatterning techniques,including photolithographic micropatterning and soft lithography micropatterning.Moreover,we summarize the application of micropatterning technique in controlling cytoskeleton,cell migration,nucleus and gene expression,as well as intercellular communication.

Magnetic proximity effect in the two-dimensional ε-Fe_(2)O_(3)/NbSe_(2)heterojunction

Two-dimensional(2D)magnet/superconductor heterostructures can promote the design of artificial materials for exploring 2D physics and device applications by exotic proximity effects.However,plagued by the low Curie temperature and instability in air,it is hard to realize practical applications for the reported layered magnetic materials at present.In this paper,we developed a space-confined chemical vapor deposition method to synthesize ultrathin air-stable ε-Fe_(2)O_(3) nanosheets with Curie temperature above 350 K.The ε-Fe_(2)O_(3)/NbSe_(2) heterojunction was constructed to study the magnetic proximity effect on the superconductivity of the NbSe_(2) multilayer.The electrical transport results show that the subtle proximity effect can modulate the interfacial spin–orbit interaction while undegrading the superconducting critical parameters.Our work paves the way to construct 2D heterojunctions with ultrathin nonlayered materials and layered van der Waals(vdW)materials for exploring new physical phenomena.

Two-Dimensional Perovskite Single Crystals for High-Performance X-ray Imaging and Exploring MeV X-ray Detection

Scintillation semiconductors play increasingly important medical diagnosis and industrial inspection roles.Recently,two-dimensional(2D)perovskites have been shown to be promising materials for medical X-ray imaging,but they are mostly used in low-energy(≤130 keV)regions.Direct detection of MeV X-rays,which ensure thorough penetration of the thick shell walls of containers,trucks,and aircraft,is also highly desired in practical industrial applications.Unfortunately,scintillation semiconductors for high-energy X-ray detection are currently scarce.Here,This paper reports a 2D(C_(4)H_(9)NH_(3))_(2)PbBr_(4)single crystal with outstanding sensitivity and stability toward X-ray radiation that provides an ultra-wide detectable X-ray range of between 8.20 nGy_(air)s^(-1)(50 keV)and 15.24 mGy_(air)s^(-1)(9 MeV).The(C_(4)H_(9)NH_(3))_(2)PbBr_(4)single-crystal detector with a vertical structure is used for high-performance X-ray imaging,delivering a good spatial resolution of 4.3 Ip mm^(-1)in a plane-scan imaging system.Low ionic migration in the 2D perovskite enables the vertical device to be operated with hundreds of keV to MeV X-ray radiation at high bias voltages,leading to a sensitivity of 46.90μC Gy_(air)-1 cm^(-2)(-1.16 Vμm^(-1))with 9 MeV X-ray radiation,demonstrating that 2D perovskites have enormous potential for high-energy industrial applications.

Stacking-dependent exchange bias in two-dimensional ferromagnetic/antiferromagnetic bilayers

A clear microscopic understanding of exchange bias is crucial for its application in magnetic recording, and further progress in this area is desired. Based on the results of our first-principles calculations and Monte Carlo simulations,we present a theoretical proposal for a stacking-dependent exchange bias in two-dimensional compensated van der Waals ferromagnetic/antiferromagnetic bilayer heterostructures. The exchange bias effect emerges in stacking registries that accommodate inhomogeneous interlayer magnetic interactions between the ferromagnetic layer and different spin sublattices of the antiferromagnetic layer. Moreover, the on/off switching and polarity reversal of the exchange bias can be achieved by interlayer sliding, and the strength can be modulated using an external electric field. Our findings push the limits of exchange bias systems to extreme bilayer thickness in two-dimensional van der Waals heterostructures, potentially stimulating new experimental investigations and applications.

Two-Dimensional Materials for Highly Efficient and Stable Perovskite Solar Cells

Perovskite solar cells(PSCs)offer low costs and high power conversion efficiency.However,the lack of long-term stability,primarily stemming from the interfacial defects and the sus-ceptible metal electrodes,hinders their practical application.In the past few years,two-dimensional(2D)materials(e.g.,graphene and its derivatives,transitional metal dichalcogenides,MXenes,and black phosphorus)have been identified as a promising solution to solving these problems because of their dangling bond-free surfaces,layer-dependent electronic band structures,tunable functional groups,and inherent compactness.Here,recent progress of 2D material toward efficient and stable PSCs is summarized,including its role as both interface materials and electrodes.We discuss their beneficial effects on perovskite growth,energy level alignment,defect passivation,as well as blocking external stimulus.In particular,the unique properties of 2D materials to form van der Waals heterojunction at the bottom interface are emphasized.Finally,perspectives on the further development of PSCs using 2D materials are provided,such as designing high-quality van der Waals heterojunction,enhancing the uniformity and coverage of 2D nanosheets,and developing new 2D materials-based electrodes.

Facet-dependent catalytic activity of two-dimensional Ti_(3)C_(2)T_(x) MXene on hydrogen storage performance of MgH_(2)

Two-dimensional Ti_(3)C_(2)T_(x) MXenes exposing different active facets are introduced into MgH_(2), and their catalytic effects are systematically investigated in depth through experimental and theoretical approaches. Excluding factors such as interlayer space, surface functional groups and experimental contingency, the exposed facets is considered to be the dominant factor for catalytic activity of Ti_(3)C_(2)T_(x) towards MgH_(2).More exposed edge facets of Ti_(3)C_(2)T_(x) displays higher catalytic activity than that with more exposed basal facets, which also leads to different rate-controlling steps of MgH_(2) in the de/hydrogenation process. The low work function, strong hydrogen affinity and high content of in situ metallic Ti for the edge facet contribute the high catalytic activity. This work will give insights into the structural design of two-dimensional Ti_(3)C_(2)T_(x) MXene used for enhancing the catalytic activity in various fields.