ABSTRACT
Due to its superior advantages in terms of electronegativity, metallic conductivity, mechanical flexibility, customizable surface chemistry, etc., 2D MXenes for nanogenerators have demonstrated significant progress. In order to push scientific design strategies for the practical application of nanogenerators from the viewpoints of the basic aspect and recent advancements, this systematic review covers the most recent developments of MXenes for nanogenerators in its first section. In the second section, the importance of renewable energy and an introduction to nanogenerators, major classifications, and their working principles are discussed. At the end of this section, various materials used for energy harvesting and frequent combos of MXene with other active materials are described in detail together with the essential framework of nanogenerators. In the third, fourth, and fifth sections, the materials used for nanogenerators, MXene synthesis along with its properties, and MXene nanocomposites with polymeric materials are discussed in detail with the recent progress and challenges for their use in nanogenerator applications. In the sixth section, a thorough discussion of the design strategies and internal improvement mechanisms of MXenes and the composite materials for nanogenerators with 3D printing technologies are presented. Finally, we summarize the key points discussed throughout this review and discuss some thoughts on potential approaches for nanocomposite materials based on MXenes that could be used in nanogenerators for better performance.
ABSTRACT
ZnO/graphene nanocomposites were prepared using a facile approach. Graphene nanosheets were prepared by ultrasonication-based liquid phase exfoliation of graphite powder in a low boiling point organic solvent, 1,2-Dichloroethane, for the preparation of ZnO/graphene nanocomposites. Structural properties of the synthesized ZnO/graphene nanocomposites were studied through powder XRD and micro-Raman analysis. The characteristic Raman active modes of ZnO and graphene present in the micro-Raman spectra ensured the formation of ZnO/graphene nanocomposite and it is inferred that the graphene sheets in the composites were few layers in nature. Increasing the concentration of graphene influenced the surface morphology of the ZnO nanoparticles and a flower shape ZnO was formed on the graphene nanosheets of the composite with high graphene concentration. The efficiencies of the samples for the photocatalytic degradation of Methylene Blue dye under sunlight irradiation were investigated and 97% degradation efficiency was observed. The stability of the nanocomposites was evaluated by performing five cycles, and 92% degradation efficiency was maintained. The observed results were compared with that of ZnO/graphene composite derived from other methods.
