A recent review examined hundreds of published studies to compare the properties and possible uses of MXenes in smart textiles. MXenes are a class of two-dimensional, microscopic materials made from metals that can be coated or printed onto fabrics to give them sensing and functional abilities.
According to the review, MXene-based textiles can detect body temperature, blood pressure and heart rate, and they can track movement. The materials also show antimicrobial behaviour, which may reduce bacterial growth on medical textiles. In health care, such fabrics could let doctors monitor a patient’s vitals and receive alerts for irregular readings.
The review notes limits: MXenes become less effective when exposed to oxygen or water and may lose performance after multiple washings. They are produced using metal-based compounds and often need energy-intensive processing. Joyjit Ghosh, the corresponding author and a doctoral student at the University of Georgia, says his lab is working to reduce oxidation and use more sustainable, biodegradable materials.
Difficult words
- mxene — thin microscopic materials made from metalsMXenes
- two-dimensional — flat material with only length and width
- antimicrobial behaviour — ability to stop or slow microbial growth
- oxidation — chemical change when something meets oxygen
- biodegradable — able to break down naturally in environmentbiodegradable materials
- energy-intensive — needing a large amount of energy to operateenergy-intensive processing
- washing — the act of cleaning clothes with waterwashings
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Discussion questions
- Would you use clothing that monitors your health? Why or why not?
- What concerns might people have about fabrics that track movement and vitals?
- How important is it for new materials to be biodegradable and sustainable? Give a reason.
