Investigations of the bio-active properties of new two-dimensional structures of the transition metal carbides

Acronym: not applicable
No.: JP201502774
Program: Iuventus Plus
Financing unit: MNiSW
Project leader: professor Agnieszka Jastrzębska
Function: leader
Timeframe: 2016-2019

The planned research in the project concerns the development of knowledge about a new family of materials characterized by a two-dimensional crystal structure. While the bioactive properties of 2D crystals such as graphene, hexagonal boron nitride (hBN), transition metal sulfides and selenides as well as metal oxides and hydroxides are already well known, the properties of new 2D nano-structures of light transition metal carbides (so-called MXenes phases) are a current and dynamically developing research topic. These compounds, were obtained for the first time in 2011, form a layered structure due to the alternating arrangement of metal and non-metal layers. The highly hydrophilic nature of their surface gives them a significant advantage in reactivity over other 2D structures.

The scientific goal of the project is to create new knowledge on the impact of surface modification of new two-dimensional structures of light transition metal carbides realized by covalent functionalization with organic macromolecules and decoration with metal and metal oxide nanoparticles on specific physico-chemical interactions of obtained surfaces in the aspect of interaction with living organisms of the prokaryotic and eukaryotic type.