Hybrid MXene material enables efficient infrared stealth through photothermal conversion

Since every object above absolute zero inevitably radiates infrared energy, infrared imaging poses a significant threat to important targets. And the advancement of infrared detection technologies in recent years necessitates the development of novel stealth materials that can actively manipulate thermal signatures.

Here, we report a Ti₃C₂T_x/Bi₂Se₃ hybrid designed with high-efficiency photothermal conversion for an active infrared thermal stealth strategy. Bi₂Se₃ was prepared using bismuth on Se nanodisks grown via Cu²⁺-induced strategy, and Ti₃C₂T_x MXene and Bi₂Se₃ were then successfully composited through a facile ultrasonic process. Owing to Efficient light absorption and charge transfer between Ti₃C₂T_x MXene and Bi₂Se₃, the hybrid exhibited a remarkable photothermal conversion efficiency of approximately 52.03%. In the simulated infrared detection, the Ti₃C₂T_x/Bi₂Se₃ can gradually conceal the real bear target model in the environmental within 10 minutes through photothermal conversion.

This work constructed a Ti₃C₂T_x/Bi₂Se₃ hybrid to explore a thermal protection strategy in infrared imaging via its enhanced photothermal conversion, providing a promising strategy for developing advanced photothermal materials in stealth technologies. The work entitled “Efficient photothermal conversion in a Ti₃C₂T_x/Bi₂Se₃ hybrid for infrared stealth” was published on Energy Materials (published on Apr. 14, 2026).