Assessing the Biocompatibility of Ti3C2 MXene Nanosheets with Terrestrial and Aquatic Plant Systems

An in-dept analysis

Authors

  • Qixiang Feng Princeton International School of Mathematics and Science
  • Steven Chen Princeton International School of Mathematics and Science
  • Yury Gogotsi AJ Drexel Nanomaterial Instistute

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.47611/jsrhs.v12i4.5666

Keywords:

MXene, Ti3C2, Nanomaterial, Eichhornia crassipes, Crossandra infundibuliformis, Biocompatibility

Abstract

In this study, the biocompatibility of MXene, an emergent class of two-dimensional nanomaterials, with plant systems was explored. Varying concentrations of Ti3C2-based MXene nanosheets were administered to two distinct plant groups—soil-grown Firecracker Flowers (Crossandra infundibuliformis) and water-based Water Hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes). Predominantly, MXene was observed to be perceived by plant systems as a contaminant, as evidenced by analysis of collected data and images during our experiement. Stronger biocompatibility with soil plants compared to aquatic plants was demonstrated. Over a 19-day observation period, no disruption to the potted soil ecosystem of Firecracker Flowers was detected due to Ti3C2, while a significant impact on the Water Hyacinth ecosystem was noted. The effect of Ti3C2 on Water Hyacinth was found to be substantial and exhibited characteristics akin to those of typical pollutants. Through advanced techniques such as optical microscopy and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), the assimilation and spatial distribution of Ti3C2 within plant matrices were investigated. Ti3C2 was found to be absorbable by plants, but its diffusion within the plant body was determined to be notably limited. This study sheds light on the potential environmental implications of MXene nanomaterials.

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Author Biographies

Steven Chen, Princeton International School of Mathematics and Science

Dr. Steven Chen, a graduate from Peking University with a bachelor and doctoral degree in chemistry, serves as the Assistant Principal at the Princeton International School of Mathematics and Science (PRISMS), overseeing the academic program. In addition to his administrative responsibilities, Dr. Chen teaches Chemistry, coaches the Chemistry Olympiad and Science Bowl teams, and mentors students in their research.

Since 2015, Dr. Chen has worked diligently with his students—whether in class, on the Chemistry Olympiad/Science Bowl team, or within his research group—to inspire and guide them towards achieving scientific excellence. His mentorship has led numerous students to secure top awards in the National Chemistry Olympiad, with two of them earning gold medals at the International Chemistry Olympiad representing the US.

As an enthusiastic and inspiring educator, Dr. Chen teaches classes in AP Chemistry, college-level Inorganic & Analytical Chemistry, and Organic Chemistry. With years of teaching practice in both China and the United States, Dr. Chen brings a deep understanding of the curricula and the strengths of science education in both systems to his teaching.

In his role as a research mentor, Dr. Chen centers his work on using chemistry and nanotechnology to address environmental issues. Students in Dr. Chen’s research group enjoy the unique opportunity to work on hands-on projects, which span a range of topics from formaldehyde sensing and heavy metals removal to pesticide detection and the synthesis, characterization, and functionalization of nanomaterials. These students regularly present their research progress at academic conferences such as the ACS Middle Atlantic Regional Meeting and the IEEE Secondary Education Conference, and have won numerous top awards at Science Fairs.

Beyond his work at PRISMS, Dr. Chen is a dedicated and long-serving volunteer for the Chemistry Olympiad and actively contributes to various volunteer efforts within the local and national community, predominantly through the American Chemical Society (ACS). He currently leads the ACS “Annotated Exam Solution” project, collaborating with a global team of enthusiastic volunteers. Moreover, Dr. Chen serves a valued member of the steering committee of the ACS “Teacher Training Group”, contributing his expertise and insight to this important initiative.

Fulfilling the role of a true MENTOR, Dr. Chen supports his students in realizing, developing, and maximizing their potential, enabling them to achieve excellence in their scientific endeavors.

Yury Gogotsi, AJ Drexel Nanomaterial Instistute

Distinguished University and Charles T. And Ruth M. Bach Professor Department of Materials Science and Engineering Director, A.J. Drexel Nanomaterials Institute
M.S., Kiev Polytechnic Institute, Ukraine Ph.D., Kiev Polytechnic Institute, Ukraine D.Sc., Institute of Materials Science, National Academy of Sciences, Ukraine

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Published

11-30-2023

How to Cite

Feng, Q., Chen, Q., & Gogotsi, Y. (2023). Assessing the Biocompatibility of Ti3C2 MXene Nanosheets with Terrestrial and Aquatic Plant Systems: An in-dept analysis. Journal of Student Research, 12(4). https://doi.org/10.47611/jsrhs.v12i4.5666

Issue

Vol. 12 No. 4 (2023)

Section

HS Research Projects

Copyright (c) 2023 Qixiang Feng; Steven Chen, Yury Gogotsi

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