An international research team led by Drexel University found that thin
coatings of MXene nanomaterials can enhance a material’s ability to trap or
shed heat. MXenes, a two dimensional material first discovered at Drexel
just over a decade ago, have shown potential for energy storage, chemical
filtering and electromagnetic shielding. This latest discovery reveals
another use for these versatile 2D materials.
A shirt treated with a MXene coating can keep is wearer 10-15 degrees
cooler than an untreated shirt.
The researchers tested 10 different MXene coatings on textiles. The
nanocoatings modulated the passage of infrared radiation, enabling both
passive heating and cooling effects. For cooling, the MXene coatings
reflected external infrared light from sunlight while allowing body-emitted
infrared to pass through.
“MXene coatings could find applications in both localized thermal management
and large-scale radiative heating and cooling systems,” said
Yury
Gogotsi, PhD, Distinguished University and Charles T. and Ruth
M. Bach Professor. “There are significant advantages with passive infrared
heating/cooling over traditional active systems requiring electrical power.”
Beyond clothing, the infrared-blocking properties of MXenes could also
enable thermal camouflage or infrared-readable radio frequency
identification. After over a decade of materials research, MXenes continue
to demonstrate new capabilities. This discovery expands the potential
applications of these thin, lightweight and flexible nanocoatings.