Figure 1.

Photothermally responsive ion channels. (a) Generation of transverse photothermoelectric voltages across lamellar Ti₃C₂T_x membranes under light illumination. Under a light-driven temperature gradient, the hydrated cations and water molecules display a directional thermo-osmotic transport from cold to hot sides. (b) X-ray diffraction of the lamellar Ti₃C₂T_x membranes with highly aligned interplanar spacing. Inset illustrates, respectively, an optical image of the MXene membrane and a SEM image of its cross-sectional area. (c) Photothermal conversion of the MXene membranes under light illumination. Supplied light energy onto the MXene membranes is approximately 8 mW. Inset shows a diffusion reflectance of dried MXene and cellulose acetate films, respectively.