On the unfortunate occasion of the passing of Professor John Goodenough, the scientific community and the world at large mourn the loss of a true visionary and pioneer in the field of battery technology. Goodenough, renowned for his groundbreaking contributions, revolutionized the energy storage landscape, paving the way for the development of advanced batteries that power our modern world. Let us take a moment to reflect on his remarkable achievements and the indelible impact he has left behind.

A Battery Innovator: John B. Goodenough, born in 1922 in Jena, Germany, embarked on an extraordinary scientific journey that spanned over eight decades. In 1980, while working at Oxford University, he made a profound breakthrough by inventing the lithium-ion battery, a technology that would go on to revolutionize portable electronics, electric vehicles, and renewable energy storage.

The Lithium-Ion Battery Revolution: Goodenough's invention of the lithium-ion battery, together with his co-inventors, laid the foundation for a new era of energy storage. The lithium-ion battery's high energy density, lightweight design, and rechargeability made it a game-changer in the consumer electronics industry. From powering smartphones and laptops to transforming the way we communicate and access information, Goodenough's invention propelled the digital revolution forward.

Beyond Consumer Electronics: Goodenough's contributions extended far beyond consumer electronics. His work had a profound impact on the automotive industry, facilitating the development of electric vehicles (EVs). The high energy density and long cycle life of lithium-ion batteries were instrumental in making EVs a viable and sustainable transportation solution, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and combating climate change.

Renewable Energy Storage: Recognizing the importance of renewable energy sources, Goodenough focused on developing battery technologies that could store intermittent renewable energy efficiently. His research explored the use of lithium-ion batteries in grid-scale energy storage applications, enabling the integration of solar and wind power into the electrical grid more effectively. This advancement holds immense potential for transitioning to a cleaner and more sustainable energy future.

Recognition and Legacy: Goodenough's contributions to battery technology were widely recognized and celebrated throughout his lifetime. In 2019, he was awarded the Nobel Prize in Chemistry, alongside M. Stanley Whittingham and Akira Yoshino, for their collective work in developing the lithium-ion battery.

Goodenough's legacy will endure for generations to come. His relentless pursuit of scientific excellence, passion for innovation, and dedication to advancing battery technology have revolutionized the way we power our lives. His research has inspired countless scientists and engineers worldwide to continue pushing the boundaries of energy storage, striving for more efficient, environmentally friendly, and economically viable solutions.

As we bid farewell to John Goodenough, we honor his incredible contributions to battery technology, which have transformed our world. His pioneering work on the lithium-ion battery has touched every aspect of our lives, enabling the portable electronics we rely on daily and driving the shift toward sustainable transportation and renewable energy. Goodenough's visionary spirit and unwavering commitment to advancing science will continue to inspire generations of researchers and serve as a guiding light in the quest for a brighter, cleaner, and more energy-efficient future.

MXenes are a class of two-dimensional (2D) materials that consist of transition metal carbides, nitrides, or carbonitrides. They were discovered in 2011 by Prof. Yury Gogotsi's group, they have gained significant attention due to their unique properties and potential applications in various fields, including energy storage, electronics, catalysis, and sensors.

One of the main advantages of MXenes is their excellent electrical conductivity, which makes them promising candidates for high-performance electrodes in energy storage devices such as batteries and supercapacitors. They also possess good mechanical strength, high thermal stability, and large surface areas, making them suitable for applications in flexible electronics and catalyst supports.

However, there are some disadvantages associated with MXenes:

Synthesis challenges: The synthesis of MXenes typically involves a complex and multistep process, which can be time-consuming and costly. The etching process used to remove the A layer from the MAX phase precursor material requires strong and hazardous chemicals, making it less environmentally friendly.

Moisture sensitivity: MXenes are susceptible to oxidation and degradation when exposed to moisture or ambient conditions. This sensitivity limits their practical applications and requires careful handling and storage in controlled environments.

Limited MXene types: Currently, the number of known MXene compositions is relatively small compared to other 2D materials, such as graphene. The synthesis of new MXenes is challenging, and expanding the variety of MXenes with desirable properties is an ongoing research effort.

Interlayer bonding: MXenes are composed of atomically thin layers stacked together by weak van der Waals forces. These weak interlayer interactions can limit their mechanical strength and stability, particularly under certain stress conditions.

Toxicity concerns: Some MXenes may contain transition metals that can be potentially toxic. Although research on MXene toxicity is still in its early stages, it is essential to investigate and address any potential health and environmental risks associated with their use.

Despite these challenges, ongoing research is focused on improving the synthesis methods, stability, and scalability of MXenes, as well as expanding their properties and applications. With further advancements, MXenes have the potential to overcome these disadvantages and become even more valuable in various technological fields.

Recent publication on Systematic Study of the Multiple Variables Involved in V2AlC Acid-Based Etching Processes, a Key Step in MXene Synthesis