Stoichiometry‐Programmed MXenes via Precursor Engineering for High‐Performance EMI Shielding and Energy Storage
Device-level performance in MXenes is dictated by architecture-planar nanosheets are optimal for electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding, while scrolled structures enhance ion transport for energy storage-particularly when morphology is programmed at synthesis. Whether such architectures can be deterministically encoded through precursor stoichiometry remains unresolved. Here, we demonstrate that precise carbon stoichiometry control in Ti<sub>3</sub>AlC<sub>x</sub>O<sub>2-</sub> <sub>x</sub> MAX phases tunes internal lattice strain and thereby directs the emergent MXene architecture. Carbon-rich precursors (x = 1.94) yield strain-relieved, high-crystalline nanosheets with metallic conductivity (∼23 300 S cm<sup>-1</sup>), enabling ultrathin films with record-high EMI shielding performances across X- and W-bands (≥ 2.0 × 10<sup>6</sup> dB cm<sup>2</sup> g<sup>-1</sup> at 8.2 GHz for 29 nm; 108 dB at 100 GHz for 8 µm) and robust W-band retention after 5,000 bending cycles (r = 2.5 mm). In contrast, carbon-deficient precursors (x = 1.71) introduce lattice compression and oxygen substitution, triggering spontaneous scrolling upon delamination. The resulting nanoscrolls offer exceptional ion accessibility, achieving 657 F g<sup>-1</sup> at 2 mV s<sup>-1</sup> with 99.4% retention over 12 000 cycles. This stoichiometry-programmed approach establishes a synthesis-stage lever linking MAX chemistry to MXene architecture and function, enabling application-specific architecture design within established MAX/MXene synthesis and solution-processing workflows for next-generation electronics and energy storage.
Authors
- Younggeun Jang (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4931-1662)
- Juwon Han
- Ju‐Hyoung Han (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1409-0046)
- Mincheal Kim
- Jaewon Wang (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9224-6160)
- Shi‐Hyun Seok (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9259-0460)
- Yeoseon Sim (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2008-1672)
- Soon‐Yong Kwon
- Jaeeun Park
- EunMi Choi
- Young Ho Jin
- Zonghoon Lee
- Yujin Chae
Institutions
- Institute for Basic Science (KR)
- Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology (KR)
Publication Details
- Journal
- Advanced Materials
- Published
- 2026-01-22
- DOI
- https://doi.org/10.1002/adma.202521860
- Citations
- 1
- Primary Topic
- Electromagnetic wave absorption materials
- Type
- article
- Field-Weighted Citation Impact
- 11.44
Funders
- National Research Foundation
- National Research Foundation of Korea
- Institute for Basic Science
- Ministry of Science and ICT, South Korea