Ti2C3Tx nanosheets as photothermal agents for near-infrared responsive hydrogels.

Poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAM) is broadly applicable in many fields due to its temperature-induced phase transition property. Herein, a facile method to incorporate exfoliated Ti2C3Tx nanosheets in the PNIPAM network is reported. Due to compatibility, stability and photothermal properties of the incorporated Ti2C3Tx nanosheets, the obtained MXene/PNIPAM composite hydrogel shows excellent photothermal properties, expanding the pure thermal-responsive property of the PNIPAM hydrogel. Based on the smart composite hydrogel, remote light-control of the microfluidic pipeline is also demonstrated.