Mo₂TiC₂O₂ MXene-based nanoscale pressure sensor

We propose Mo₂TiC₂O₂-based quantum transport device as a pressure sensor. Using non-equilibrium Green's function technique, we have investigated the current–voltage characteristics of Mo₂TiC₂O₂-based nanodevice under pressure. In a compressed double MXene, the electronic states originating from the two different transition metals are shifted up unequally. Thus, the character of VBM changes drastically after a critical compression. The proposed nanodevice has moderate pressure sensitivity. While the macroscopic Mo₂TiC₂O₂ sensor is usable only for excess pressure detection, the nanodevice can act as a pressure sensor in a wider pressure range. Given the excellent stability of MXenes, Mo₂TiC₂O₂ is a promising sensor material. The same mechanism of pressure-induced unequal level-shifting could be exploited also in other double MXenes that will be synthesized.