CBE Seminar: “Multifunctionality of MXenes for Sensor Technologies” (Lia Stanciu, Purdue University)
March 5, 2025 at 3:30 PM - 4:30 PM
Abstract:
MXenes, a versatile family of 2D materials, have garnered interest for applications in sensing technologies due to their unique combination of conductivity, hydrophilicity, and surface tunability. This talk explores the integration of MXenes into sensor platforms, and discusses their potential in electrochemical, optical, and environmental sensing. Their surface functional groups can be leveraged for biomolecular interactions and their ability to increase signal transduction can be exploited for low-concentration analyte detection.
The presentation will discuss a few case studies: hybrid MXene-MoS₂ composites for the detection of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which uses their high surface area and conductivity; nucleic acid biosensors employing MXenes for the detection of viral RNA, which takes advantage their excellent biocompatibility and signal transduction capabilities; and surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) sensors incorporating MXenes for the highly sensitive detection of Listeria monocytogenes in food safety applications. The presentation will also address current challenges for in the deployment of these materials at scale and discuss their potential in real-world applications that require high sensitivity, selectivity, and scalability.
Lia Stanciu
Associate Head and Professor of Materials Engineering
Dr. Lia Stanciu is a Professor of Materials Engineering at Purdue University. Dr. Stanciu received her Ph.D. in Materials Engineering from the University of California, Davis. Research in the Stanciu group is interdisciplinary and focuses on the understanding of nanobioengineering principles and their translation into the design of novel devices. Hybrid functional materials, coupled with nanobioengineering principles have the potential to transform disease diagnostics, related to human health both directly, via healthcare applications, and indirectly, as related to food, water, agriculture and the environment. Her research group seek to understand how nano- and bio-materials surfaces and interfaces and biological and chemical functionalization, along with large scale manufacturing parameters, translate into heightened performance of detection devices