Biodegradable MXene-Alginate Composite: A Sustainable, Transparent, and Flexible Solution for Next-Generation Ultraviolet Shielding

In this study, a transparent and flexible biodegradable MXene-incorporated alginate film was developed by the solvent casting method followed by cross-linking with CaCl 2 for ultraviolet (UV) shielding application. The mechanical, optical, thermal, and structural properties of the synthesized Ca-alginate (Alg)/MXene (AMX) films were investigated using a variety of characterization techniques, including Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction, field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), thermogravimetric analysis, differential thermogravimetric analysis, ultimate tensile strength, and UV–visible spectroscopy. The FESEM image of the AMX film showed that MXene was evenly distributed throughout the alginate film matrix, and FTIR results indicated that there was a strong intermolecular hydrogen bond between AMX. The composite AMX-0.04 films were found to have a tensile strength of 143.58 ± 1.86 MPa and a Young’s modulus of 30.15 ± 0.397 MPa, which were approximately 17 and 55% greater than those of the Alg film, respectively. Better UV and high-energy blue light (HEBL) blocking performance was also demonstrated by the AMX-0.04 composite films, which demonstrated 98.46% UV-A radiation, 99.86% UV-B radiation, 99.90% UV-C radiation, and 94.04% HEBL radiation. It was also discovered that the AMX film’s UV and HEBL blocking capabilities rose dramatically with an increase in MXene content. Our research demonstrated that a straightforward and easy fabrication process is a viable approach to creating robust, transparent, and highly flexible AMX films with exceptional physicochemical qualities. These films also showed great promise for extending their practical applications in blocking UV/HEBL radiation.