Dissertation
Revealing inner structure & fracture mechanism of MXene-based materials using X-ray & electron microscopy
Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.), Drexel University
11 Jun 2026
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.17918/00011465
Abstract
Since the discovery of graphene, two-dimensional nanomaterials have demonstrated great potential in advanced technologies due to their high surface area, tunable chemistry, and ability to be processed into films, coatings, and bulk architectures. In 2011, Ti₃C₂Tₓ was first produced by selective etching of a MAX phase, introducing a new family of 2D materials known as MXenes, including transition-metal carbides, nitrides, and carbonitrides. In contrast to many other 2D materials, MXenes stand out due to their high electrical conductivity, redox-active and hydrophilic surfaces, tunable surface chemistry, and strong intrinsic mechanical properties. In this work, I aimed to advance the fundamental understanding of how internal structure, processing conditions, and interfacial interactions govern the mechanical behavior and fracture mechanisms of MXene-based materials. First, I used X-ray micro- and nano-computed tomography, together with electron microscopy, to reveal the three-dimensional internal structure of MXene-based systems, including coated textiles, fibers, aerogels, crystals, and polymer composites. Second, I investigated freestanding Ti₃C₂Tₓ MXene films to understand how drying conditions, residual interlayer water, strain rate, and cyclic loading influence strength, stiffness, ductility, crack initiation, interlayer sliding, and fracture. Third, I studied MXene/PVDF nanocomposites to determine how MXene loading, flake alignment, filler dispersion, and interfacial bonding control stress transfer, damage evolution, and mechanical reinforcement. These findings establish structure–property relationships across multiple MXene architectures and provide design guidelines for developing mechanically reliable and multifunctional MXene-based materials.
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Details
- Title
- Revealing inner structure & fracture mechanism of MXene-based materials using X-ray & electron microscopy
- Creators
- Bita Soltan Mohammadlou
- Contributors
- Yury Gogotsi (Advisor)
- Awarding Institution
- Drexel University
- Degree Awarded
- Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)
- Publisher
- Drexel University
- Number of pages
- 124 pages
- Resource Type
- Dissertation
- Language
- English
- Academic Unit
- College of Engineering (1970-2026); Mechanical Engineering (and Mechanics) (1970-2026); Drexel University
- Other Identifier
- 991022193095704721