Mxene coated lenses for safer and smarter portable devices

With the progress of recent technology, the Internet of Objects and Wireless Devices are in great demand. However, these innovations also raise concerns concerning prolonged exposure to electromagnetic radiation (DME), which can present potential risks for ocular health.

The mxenes, a class of carbides / nitrids in half -dimensional transitional metal, were promising shielding against the DME. However, their poor adhesion and their sensitivity to oxidation have limited their applications.

In a recent breakthrough, researchers led by Professor Takeo Miyake of the Graduate School of Information Production and Systems from Waseda University, in Japan, have developed stable Mxene contact lenses with remarkable optical and EMR.

Their new manufacturing method guarantees optimal membership and prevents oxidation of the Mxene coating, overcoming previous limitations.

The study was an effort to collaborate between Waseda University, Kyoto University and the Yamaguchi University Hospital, bringing together expertise in nanofabrication, 2D materials and ophthalmology to ensure eye safety.

The results are published in the journal Small science.

This research was co-written by Dr. Lunjie Hu of Graduate School of Information Production and Systems from Waseda University; Associate Professor Jun Hirotani at the University of Kyoto; Professor Kazuhiro Kimura at the Yamaguchi University Hospital; Deputy professor Atsushige Ashimori at the Yamaguchi University Hospital; And assistant professor Saman Azhari of the Graduate School of Information Production and Systems of Waseda University.

“The intelligent contact objectives with integrated electronic components receive a lot of attention like the next great thing in portable devices. For the first time, however, this means that we will place wireless circuit lenses directly on our horns, exposing them to electromagnetic waves around the clock.

To make these highly functional contact lenses, the research team started by preparing Mxene’s dispersions, which were filtered under vacuum with mixed cellulose ester membranes (MCE) to produce Mxene -based films.

The films were then covered with flexible contact lenses via a wet transfer approach using acetone. The prepared lenses were then thoroughly analyzed for physical properties, conductivity and security.

“We have chosen a wet transfer method for the effortless fixing of nanofeuilles mxene on the unconventional shape of flexible contact lenses, which ensures scalability,” adds Professor Miyake.

The manufactured contact lenses have shown remarkable results with> 80% visible light transmission, high conductivity, dehydration protection and high biocompatibility with cellular viability> 90%.

Mxene’s deposited layers showed a variable thickness based on dispersion concentrations, and the adhesive properties of the MCE dissolved membrane ensured the optimal fixation of Mxene. In addition, the MCE layer has also protected the Mxene from oxidation.

Professor Miyake discusses the importance of their method, affirming: “Our research can have a multifaceted impact. First, the stable and effortless coating of nanofeuilles Mxene via a wet transfer widens the possibilities for commercial applications. Second, our method is simple but effective in preventing the oxidation of Mxene, transforming a commonly neglected challenge – resolved. “

To assess the electromagnetic shield, the lenses covered with Mxene were tested on the pig eyes exposed to microwave heating and thermal imagery. The lenses had a rapid increase in temperature, indicating a strong absorption and dissipation of the DME, which prevented the direct heating of the eyes.

When exposed to high-frequency microwaves, Mxene has effectively absorbed electromagnetic energy and released it in the form of thermal radiation, thus protecting the porcine eyes from direct heating.

In addition, researchers have confirmed a robust electromagnetic shield effectiveness up to 93%, representing the highest specific shielding efficiency for biocompatible materials at the same thickness level, offering substantial protection against high frequency radiation. Lentils have shown high protection against high frequency DME, guaranteeing optimal eye health.

With high electromagnetic protection and reliable properties, this breakthrough in intelligent contact lenses represents significant progression towards safer portable technologies.

By taking advantage of the unique properties of the Mxene nanofeuilles, lenses offer effective protection against high frequency radiation while maintaining comfort and conviviality.

Beyond eye health, this breakthrough opens the way to the integration of advanced nanomaterials in smart clothing, medical implants and bioelectronics, addressing both safety and functionality.