Application dependent stability of Ti3C2Tx MXene in PDLC-based smart-windows

Despite having many properties, Ti 3 C 2 Tx MXene lacks stability against oxidation. To exploit its applicability, the stability against oxidation needs to be improved. In this study, we have found an application of Ti 3 C 2 Tx MXene in polymer-dispersed liquid crystals (PDLC) based smart-windows which doesn't require additional treatment to MXene for preventing its oxidation. Before this application, the MXene surface passivation by a thin layer of UV-curable polymer NOA65 was also studied to estimate long-term stability against oxidation. In polymer passivated MXene, the sheet resistance increases by just 20% as compared to 800% in the case of non-passivated counterpart as studied up to 180 days. During this period, the transmittance of polymer passivated MXene film remains almost unchanged. These results encouraged the use of MXene-coated glass substrates as transparent conducting electrodes in PDLC-based smart-window applications. The NOA65 polymer used in smart-windows fabrication encapsulates the liquid crystals as well as it also preserves the MXene without any additional treatment to the MXene surface. The transparent conducting MXene electrodes and PDLC-based smart-windows maintain high transmittance of around 71% after 180 days as compared to 74% on day 1 at a voltage of 50 V.