Advancements in MXene Inks Enhance Printed Energy Storage Technology

Researchers at Boise State University have made significant strides in the field of energy storage by developing a stable, high-performance ink formulation based on Ti₃C₂Tx MXene, optimized specifically for aerosol jet printing. This innovative advancement, detailed in a study published in the journal *Small Methods* on June 17, 2025, marks a pivotal moment in the additive manufacturing of two-dimensional (2D) materials, paving the way for scalable production of micro-supercapacitors, sensors, and other energy storage devices.

MXenes, a family of 2D transition metal carbides, nitrides, and carbonitrides, are celebrated for their exceptional physical and chemical properties, making them promising candidates for electrochemical energy storage applications. Their unique structure features a conductive transition metal carbide layer, variable hydrophilic functional groups, and a lamellar architecture, which collectively enhance their performance in energy storage systems. Despite the advancements in the solution processing of 2D materials, the creation of stable and printable functional inks has posed significant challenges, as many MXene dispersions are prone to oxidation and degrade rapidly under ambient conditions.

The research team, led by Fereshteh Rajabi Kouchi, a doctoral candidate at the Micron School of Materials Science and Engineering, focused on overcoming these challenges by developing an MXene ink that demonstrates long-term chemical and physical stability, thus enabling consistent aerosol jet printability. This newly formulated ink can achieve high-resolution patterns with minimal overspray, allowing for the fabrication of microscale supercapacitor devices on both flexible and inflexible substrates, such as Kapton film and alumina tubes. The resulting devices not only exhibited remarkable capacitance, cycling stability, and mechanical durability, but also achieved the highest performance metrics for printed MXene supercapacitors documented to date.

"Our ink formulation enables precise printing of complex structures and remains stable for more than six months," stated Rajabi Kouchi. This advancement heralds a new era for sustainable, roll-to-roll production of miniaturized energy devices, potentially transforming the landscape of electronic and electrochemical devices, such as wearables and Internet of Things (IoT) sensors.

Moreover, the supercapacitor market is expected to expand rapidly, with a projected compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 15.3%, reaching $8.3 billion by 2034, fueled by increasing demand across various sectors, including automotive, consumer electronics, and renewable energy. Printed supercapacitors are gaining traction due to their lightweight and flexible designs, which facilitate seamless integration into emerging electronic applications.

David Estrada, Professor at Boise State University and senior author of the study, commented on the significance of the research, stating, "Fereshteh's work reflects a major step in bridging materials chemistry and scalable device fabrication. By addressing both ink formulation and process integration, our team has laid the stage for industrial applications of MXene-based energy storage."

This research aligns with Boise State's broader commitment to advancing sustainable electronics manufacturing, with support from the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), the National Science Foundation (NSF) Atomic Center, and the Fulbright Program. The implications of this research extend beyond academic realms, potentially impacting global energy storage solutions and offering new avenues for technological advancements in the field of renewable energy.

In conclusion, the development of stable MXene inks represents a crucial leap forward in the fabrication of energy storage devices. As the demand for efficient energy solutions grows, this innovative approach to printed electronics may significantly influence the future of sustainable technology and energy management worldwide.