Titanium carbide wafers can be sewn into the fabric to provide thermal energy

Heated gloves, bracelets, and even rings are potential applications for highly conductive titanium carbide (MXene). Titanium carbide is a two-dimensional material composed of alternating atomic layers of titanium and carbon. In a new study, the researchers made titanium carbide flakes, then electrostatically adhered the flakes to the threads, and finally sewed the threads into the ordinary fabric, which can be safely heated at low voltage. The research led by Korea Institute of Science and Technology and Korea University Chong Min Koo and Yonsei University Cheolmin Park and published related research results in "ACS Nano".
In recent years, researchers have been studying various materials that can be used in flexible, wearable heaters. Although materials such as carbon nanotubes and graphene have excellent electrical and optical properties, processing them for applications has always been a challenge. Researchers at Drexel University introduced for the first time a new material, titanium carbide (MXene). Titanium carbide is a two-dimensional crystalline material with metal-like conductivity and strong electrical-thermal conversion properties. It can also be easily processed into films and fabrics.

It is now possible to develop a new type of electric heater based on a new kind of two-dimensional titanium carbide material with lightweight, high-cost performance and excellent performance. This material is suitable for wearable and body applications. Based on carbon nanomaterials, several candidate materials have been proposed, but they either have poor processability or low conductivity. Involving harmful and toxic chemicals, the solution of titanium carbide flakes to solve these problems. In this new study, the researchers first made a transparent thin-film heater using titanium carbide sheets. When 15v is applied, the temperature of the heater rises at a rate of 8 ° C / sec, reaching a maximum of 120 ° C (248 ° C F).
By immersing the heater in liquid nitrogen for 5 minutes, the researchers proved that the heater can play the role of defrosting, and can quickly remove the frost on the surface below 12v. As a proof of its high flexibility, the heater can be folded at a 90 ° angle without adding any resistance, and it can continue to work even when folded in half, although the resistance is greater. The researchers also proved that titanium carbide flakes could be used to make heated fabrics. To do this, the researchers treated commercial polymer threads with a coating to enhance their electrostatic interaction with the titanium carbide flakes. They then immersed the thread in an aqueous solution containing titanium carbide flakes.
The electrostatic interaction between the positively charged thread and the negatively charged sheet causes the sheet to self-assemble onto a single fiber, making the white thread black during this process, and then seam the manganese dioxide coated thread with cotton Together, make heated clothes. At low voltage, each piece of titanium carbide acts as a small heater. By controlling the voltage, researchers can gradually restore the temperature of cold skin to normal body temperature without damaging the skin. In future applications, heated clothing can be powered by traditional batteries or alternative energy sources.
The heater may be powered by energy stored in batteries and / or supercapacitors from various emerging renewable energy sources, such as wearable solar cells, frictional generators, etc. Researchers anticipate that this rugged, flexible heating suit can be used for personal applications such as medical treatment, hyperthermia, and monitoring. The titanium carbide flakes developed by the solution method have high conductivity and optical transparency, so they can be applied to a variety of applications, especially where transparent electrodes are required. Examples include the development of mechanically flexible and therefore, wearable organic light-emitting diode displays, photodetectors, transparent touch and / or pressure sensors.
Trunnano is one of the world's largest manufacturers of titanium carbide."We have been supplying titanium carbide hexaboride, ensuring product quality, and guaranteeing stable supply prices," said Rachel.Please contact Rachel if you are interested in titanium carbide.
Email: rachel@ihpa.net

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