1D nanomaterials thinner than hair could supercharge batteries

Researchers at Drexel University have developed a scalable method to transform two-dimensional MXene sheets into one-dimensional tubular nanoscrolls that are about 100 times thinner than a human hair. These MXene nanoscrolls exhibit enhanced electrical conductivity and improved ion transport compared to flat MXene sheets, addressing previous challenges in producing high-quality 1D MXene structures. By rolling the flakes into hollow tubes, the researchers created structures that reduce nano-confinement effects, allowing ions and molecules to move more freely, which is advantageous for applications such as batteries, biosensors, and wearable electronics. The process involves chemically modifying multilayer MXene flakes to induce internal strain, causing them to curl into scrolls. This method was successfully applied to six different MXene types, yielding consistent and controlled nanoscrolls without damaging the material. The tubular geometry exposes more active surface area, enhancing molecular adsorption and ion accessibility, which is critical for energy storage and sensing technologies. Additionally, the team found that electric fields