Development of hybrid nanomaterials based on MXene/Fe3O4 magnetic nanoparticles for photo-magnetic hyperthermia applications

MXenes are two-dimensional transition metal carbides that have emerged as versatile nanomaterials. Their distinctive physicochemical properties and surface characteristics make them ideal platforms for engineering hybrid nanomaterials. The combination of MXenes and magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) into a single nano-object leads to materials with interesting properties (ferrimagnetism, mechanical strength, and conductivity, etc.) for a broad range of applications. MXenes exhibit good compatibility and excellent photothermal (PTT) properties, while MNPs, particularly iron oxide nanoparticles (IONPs), are widely used for biomedical applications via magnetic hyperthermia (MHT). This work focuses on the development of hybrid nanomaterials combining MXenes and IONPs, prepared through a simple, holistic, and replicable method. The surface of delaminated MXene (dMXene) was covered with well-defined shape IONPs of 14 nm. We have used faceted nanoparticles to achieve point-of-reference magnetic hyperthermia performance. The surface loading of IONPs on the MXenes was controlled by varying the MXene-to-MNPs mass ratio from 10:90 to 90:10. The potential of the hybrids for photo-magnetic hyperthermia was evaluated using near-infrared (NIR) light (1064 nm, 1 W) and alternating magnetic fields (AMFs) of 9.5–17.0 kA/m and 282 kHz, determining their specific absorption rate (SAR) values. For MHT, SAR values of up to 150 W/g (Fe 3 O 4 ) were observed for the 50:50 hybrid. The characterization of this new nanomaterial revealed synergistic behavior in PTT, achieving SAR values of up to 577 and 1106 W/g (hybrid) for 50:50 and 70:30 mass ratio hybrids, respectively. This work demonstrates the heat-dissipation capabilities of MXene/IONPs hybrids under AMFs and via laser excitation, offering a replicable method for designing magnetic-responsive systems.