SPECIAL SYMPOSIUM: The MXene Frontier: Transformative Nanomaterials Shaping the Future

This special symposium is devoted to the synthesis, properties, and applications of MXenes, a class of two-dimensional nanomaterials with exceptional versatility and tunability. MXenes have garnered significant attention due to their unique combination of metallic conductivity, hydrophilicity, and surface chemistry, enabling their use across a broad spectrum of disciplines. This session will explore the fundamental understanding of MXene structure-property relationships, as well as their integration into functional systems.

Special emphasis will be placed on leveraging MXenes’ exceptional electronic, optical, and chemical properties for applications ranging from energy storage and catalysis to biomedicine and environmental remediation. Of particular interest are the techniques for tailoring MXene surface functionalization to achieve specific chemical interactions, the incorporation of MXenes into nanocomposites, and their role in advancing flexible and wearable technologies. Contributions on emerging applications, such as quantum materials and neuromorphic systems, are also highly encouraged, along with discussions of challenges in scalability, stability, industrial translation and their computational modeling.

This special session will serve as a hub for researchers exploring the forefront of MXene science, fostering a deeper understanding of their behavior and unlocking their full potential in next-generation technologies.

Main Topics:
1. Fundamental Properties and Synthesis;
2. Characterization and Analytical; Techniques;
3. MXenes in Energy Applications;
4. Biomedical Properties and Applications;
5. MXenes in Environmental Science;
6. Electronic and Optoelectronic Applications;
7. Mechanical and Structural Applications;
8. MXenes for Sensor Application;
9. MXenes for Catalysis (photo-, electro- and thermal);
10. Emerging Areas;
11. Theory and Modelling.

TRACKS  

1. Nanomaterials Synthesis

This track solicits experimental and theoretical works on synthesis and self-assembly of 1D, 2D, and 3D nanostructures. One example is nanoelectronic materials, particularly nanocrystals and nanowires, where it is possible to realize unique functionality by engineering the dimensionality of the building blocks. Another area of interest for this section deals with composite materials, such as metal-, carbon-, ceramic- and polymer-based nanocomposites, and polymeric materials, including nanoparticles, nanospheres, and nanocapsules that offer an excellent surface to volume ratio and can be combined with inorganic materials to offer even greater functionality due to responsiveness to external stimuli (pH, temperature, light, electric or magnetic fields). Last but not least, this part also encompasses carbon-based nanostructures such as fullerenes, graphene, and carbon nanotubes, which remain at the forefront of research due to the unique spectrum of properties they can offer. While the main focus of this track is the preparation techniques, structure, and properties, the works primarily dealing with practical applications should be submitted to more specialized Tracks (e.g., “nanomedicine,” “photonics,” and “energy”), when appropriate.

Main Topics:
– Novel routes for the synthesis and self-assembly of “building blocks”;
– Size-, shape- and composition-dependent properties;
– Block copolymers, interfacial science and morphology control;
– Nanocomposites and nanohybrids, micro- and nano-encapsulation;
– Carbon -based fullerenes, carbon nanotubes, graphene and its derivatives, graphene oxide, nanodiamonds, quantum dots;
– Theory and modelling.

2. Electrochemistry of Nanomaterials & Batteries

The Electrochemistry Track is focused on the fundamental and applied studies of charge and mass transport phenomena at the electrochemically active interfaces. The involved effects are seldom well understood by analyzing them from the macroscale and, as such, require advanced nanoscale characterization. For example, surface nanotexturing affects the properties of bulk functional materials ranging from biologically-oriented induction of tissue-implant behavior in the metallic biomaterials to corrosion performance of novel alloys and compounds. Of particular interest are contributions devoted to improving our understanding of the intimate link between the surface nanostructure and the properties of the electrochemical interface. 

Main Topics: 
– Electrochemical processes at a nanoscale;
– Nanomaterials and nanodevices for electrochemical sensing;
– Synthesis and characterization of electrocatalytic electrodes;
– Electrochemical surface modification and corrosion mechanisms; 
– Photoelectrochemistry of nanomaterials; 
– Electrochemical phenomena at the nanobio hybrids and interfaces;
– Theory and modelling.

3. Multifunctional Thin Films & Coatings

This track is devoted to the most recent advances in chemical and physical methods for thin film deposition, surface engineering, including ion- and plasma-assisted processes, focusing on the understanding of synthesis/processing-structure-properties relationship for a variety of thin film systems.

Main Topics:
– Advances in deposition techniques;
– Thin film growth & epitaxy: theory & experiments;
– New materials in thin film form: diamond-like films, granular alloys, high entropy alloys, oxynitrides, intermetallic compounds;
– Hard, wear-, oxidation-resistant and multifunctional coatings;
– Advances in nanomaterials and surface characterization tools and techniques;
– Electroless deposition;
-Electrochemical (electrolytic plasma processing, plasma enhanced chemical vapour deposition, plasma electrolytic oxidation) deposition;
– Industrial applications;
– Theory and modelling.

4. Ultrawide Bandgap Materials & Photonics

This track is devoted to optical properties of nanomaterials, including nanophotonics, the area of research that is focused on understanding of light interaction with nanoscale materials. While in classical optics the diffraction limit prevents one from being able to manipulate light at sub-wavelength scales, in the nanophotonics this can be achieved by coupling to propagating and localizing surface plasmons, using nanoscale antennas and apertures, as well as exploiting the interplay between the far- and near-fields in scanning probe microscopes and optical tweezers. Of special interest are nanomaterials-enables detectors and imaging systems, operating from X-rays and UV-VIS, to THz and RF waves.

Main Topics:
– Plasmonic structures and quantum dots;
– Nanophotonics and optical manipulation;
– Spectroscopic studies of nanoscale materials;
– Molecular energy transfer and light harvesting;
– Photonic and optoelectronic materials and devices;
– Photodetectors, sensors and imaging;
– Microwave optics and devices, including superconducting and single photon detectors;
– Quantum information science;
– Theory and modelling.

5. Nanomagnetism & Magnetic Materials

This track is focused on a variety of magnetic nanomaterials and phenomena, with emphasis on geometric confinement, lateral and interfacial proximity, spin-dependent transport and other spin-related effects in magnetically ordered metallic, semiconducting and dielectric systems and their heterostructures, as well as on spin dynamics, ranging from the femtosecond regime, where elementary magnetic quantum processes are important, to the sub-nanosecond regime typical for magnetization reversal and spin-waves excitation. Contributions on novel magnetic materials and nanodevices are also welcomed.

Main Topics:
– Magnetic nanoparticles, nanowires, thin films and patterned nanostructures;
– Magnetization reversal, domain structure, spin vortices and skyrmions;
– Spin waves and magnonics;
– Spin currents: generation, manipulation and transport;
– Spintronics: memories, field sensors, logic and spin-based devices;
– Nanocrystalline and amorphous magnetic materials;
– Magnetic anisotropy and recording media;
– Heusler alloys, magnetocaloric and magneto-optical materials;
– Theory and modelling.

6. Superconductivity in Nanoscale & Mesoscopic Systems

This Track covers the latest aspects of superconductivity study encompassing its fundamental understanding, basic properties, synthesis and fabrication routes, device methods, first-principles calculations, and other related topics. Potential topics include but are not limited to:
– Superconducting thin films and patterned structures;
– Hybrid systems, proximity size-dependent effects;
– Imaging and vortex dynamics;
– Josephson effect, nanoSQUIDs, and superconducting electronics;
– Superconducting detectors and nanosensors;
– Theory and modelling.

7. Nanosensors, Nanodevices & Applications

This subsection calls for contributions related to nanosensors that measure physical and biochemical quantities and convert these to electrical signals that can be detected and analyzed. Nanoscale devices that are by definition miniature in size, energy-efficient and highly sensitive devices find their application in various fields, including, but not limited to, chemical, environmental, and healthcare industries.

Main Topics:
– Micro/nano electromechanical systems and sensors;
– Piezoelectric sensors;
– Field-effect transistors;
– Plasmonic and surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy nanosensors;
– Magnetoelectronic or spintronic nanodevices;
– RF, microwave, IR, UV-VIS and X-ray sensors and single photon detectors;
– Theory and modelling.

8. Nanomaterials for Energy & Environment

Energy conversion, storage and transport processes inherently occur at the nanoscale and at interfaces and surfaces abundant in nanomaterials. Indeed, nanostructured materials often demonstrate favorable transport and physical properties, as well as confinement effects with large surface to volume ratios, and thus are of great interest for energy-related applications such as solar cells, catalysts, thermoelectrics, lithium ion batteries, supercapacitors, and hydrogen storage systems.

Main Topics:
– Nanomaterials for solar-to-electric energy conversion;
– Hydrogen and fuels cells;
– Energy storage and generation;
– Bio-inspired energy materials;
– Nanomaterials for environment protection and remediation; CO reduction;
– Nanotech for water technologies;
– Theory and modelling.

9. Nanobiomedical Research & Applications

The nanotechnology revolution offers novel approaches to address the major problems in modern medicine, leading to the emergence of nanomedicine as a new paradigm for diagnosis, and therapy. This track’s focus includes nano/bio interfacing, nanodevices and biosensors, bioassay labeling, nanoparticles-enabled hyperthermia, targeted drug delivery, toxicity of nanomaterials, imaging and other life-sciences-relevant technologies.

Main Topics:
– Nanoparticles-based platforms for cancer diagnostics, imaging and treatment;
– Nanoparticles manipulation, microfluidics and lab-on-chip technologies;
– Nanodevices and sensors for bio/nanomedicine;
– Bio-nanomaterials and tissue engineering;
– DNA nanotechnology;
– Nanotoxicity;
– Theory and modelling.

10. Quantum Computing & Ultrashort Laser Effects

Quantum computing is an innovative field that leverages the principles of quantum mechanics to perform computations. Unlike classical computers that use bits as the smallest unit of data, quantum computers utilize quantum bits, or “qubits,” which can exist in multiple states simultaneously (thanks to superposition). This unique property allows quantum computers to solve complex problems significantly faster than classical computers. The technology is emerging rapidly and is expected to transform various sectors by providing solutions to problems deemed too challenging for conventional computing.

Ultrashort lasers are used in high-resolution micromachining applications across various solid materials, allowing for precise manipulations at the submicron level. Their brief duration minimizes thermal and mechanical damage to the materials being processed, making ultrashort laser technology an essential tool in fields such as materials science, electronics, and biomedical engineering.

Main Topics:
– Basics of quantum mechanics;
– Quantum algorithms;
– Quantum gates and circuits;
– Quantum hardware;
– Ultrashort laser pulses;
– Interference and coherence in lasers;
– Applications of quantum computing;
– Applications of ultrashort lasers;
– Future trends and challenges.

11. Interdisciplinary & Miscellaneous Topics

This track solicits contributions on nanoscience- and nanotechnology-related topics that are not explicitly covered in other Tracks. Some typical examples include, but not limited to:
– Nano- and micro-fabrication techniques;
– Optical, scanning probe, X-ray, ion- and electron microscopy;
– Thermal transport and heat exchange at nanoscale;
– Experiments at extreme environments (low/high temperatures, high vacuum or high pressures);
– Non-equilibrium thermodynamics;
– Assembly operations using molecular manipulators;
– Software for modelling of nanomaterials;
– Mechanics of nanomaterials;
– Ethical, and societal issues in nanotechnology;
– Nanotech business and intellectual property aspects;
– National innovation policies and the globalization of nanotechnology.