MXene based multifunctional nanocomposites via electrolytic plasma surface treatment of light alloys

轻质金属材料，如Mg、Al和Ti合金，以高强度重量比而闻名，这使得它们对包括交通、能源和生物医学设备在内的许多应用具有吸引力。然而，高化学反应性和低耐磨性极大地阻碍了它们在要求苛刻的应用中的使用。等离子体电解氧化（PEO）是一种用于轻合金的先进表面处理技术，由于其相对简单、环保和高性能，近年来引起了人们的兴趣。然而，传统的PEO涂层只能为轻合金提供被动保护，因此需要进一步设计，使其具有符合现代智能材料方法的主动和多功能性能。创新的二维材料，如MXenes，具有层状结构和多种性能，可以为PEO涂层工程提供合适的平台，以解决轻合金相关问题。然而，将这些材料直接掺入PEO涂层中存在一些基本问题，解决这些问题需要调整MXene的化学和制造路线，并探索其他表面工程策略。该项目旨在创造改性MXene型添加剂，并探索将其引入各种轻合金基板上形成的PEO涂层的新方法。随后将进行先进的表面表征和评估，以更好地了解新型多功能PEO涂层的创新应用潜力。

Light-weight metallic materials, such as Mg, Al and Ti alloys, are known for high strength-to-weight ratio, which makes them attractive to many applications including transportation, energy and biomedical devices. However high chemical reactivity and low wear resistance significantly hinder their use in demanding applications. Plasma electrolytic oxidation (PEO) is an advanced surface treatment developed for light alloys, which has recently attracted interest due to relative simplicity, environmental benefits and high performance of the coatings produced. However conventional PEO coatings can provide only passive protection to light alloys, so they need to be further engineered to enable active and multifunctional performance in line with modern smart materials approaches. Innovative 2D materials, such as MXenes that possess layered structures and diverse properties, can provide a suitable platform for engineering of PEO coatings to address problems pertinent to light alloys. However, there are fundamental problems associated with direct incorporation of these materials into growing PEO coatings, addressing which will require tailoring MXene's chemistry and manufacturing routes as well as exploring alternative surface engineering strategies. This project will be aiming at creating modified MXene type additives and exploring new ways to introduce them into PEO coatings formed on various light alloy substrates. This will be followed by advanced surface characterisation and evaluation to achieve a better understanding of the potential for innovative applications of the new multifunctional PEO coatings.