To date, major challenges in constructing MXene-polymer composites include incompatible processing conditions and poor control over the organization of MXenes within the polymer matrix. Here, we report a new approach to create MXene-polymer composites in a water-free system by alkylating the nanosheets via electrostatic adsorption of alkyl ammoniums and then using them as surfactants in oil-in-oil emulsions, followed by polymerization. Within these MXene-stabilized non-aqueous emulsions, polymerization of continuous phase, discontinuous phase, and interface result in composite foams, armored particles, and capsules, respectively. This non-aqueous system significantly expands MXene-polymer architecture compositions and highlights the ability to control both nanosheet distribution and composite morphology. We also showcase the rapid volumetric heating of the distinct MXene foam structure in response to low-power radiofrequency fields. This work highlights the importance and opportunities of disconnecting composition and structure to advance fundamental understandings and access new performance-related properties.

迄今为止，构建 MXene-聚合物复合材料的主要挑战包括不兼容的加工条件以及对聚合物基体中 MXene 组织的控制不佳。在这里，我们报告了一种在无水系统中创建 MXene 聚合物复合材料的新方法，通过静电吸附烷基铵对纳米片进行烷基化，然后将它们用作油包油乳液中的表面活性剂，然后进行聚合。在这些 MXene 稳定的非水乳液中，连续相、不连续相和界面的聚合分别产生复合泡沫、铠装颗粒和胶囊。这种非水系统显着扩展了 MXene 聚合物结构组合物，并突出了控制纳米片分布和复合形态的能力。我们还展示了独特的 MXene 泡沫结构响应低功率射频场的快速体积加热。这项工作强调了断开组成和结构的重要性和机会，以促进基本理解并获得新的与性能相关的属性。