Unprecedented Multifunctionality in Novel Monophase Micro/Nanostructured Ti-Zn Alloy

Abstract

It is always challenging to integrate multiple functions into one material system. However, those materials/devices will address society's critical global challenges and technological demands if achieved with innovative design strategies and engineering. Here, one such material with a broader spectrum of desired properties appropriate for seven applications is identified and explored, and a glucose-sensing-triggered energy-storage mechanism is demonstrated. To date, the Titanium (Ti)-Zinc (Zn) binary alloys are investigated only as mixed phases and for a maximum of three applications. In contrast, the novel single phase of structurally stable 50 Ti-50 Zn (Ti_0.5 Zn_0.5 ) is synthesized and proven suitable for seven emerging applications. Interestingly, it is thermally stable up to 750 °C and possesses excellent mechanical, tribological properties and corrosion resistance. While exceptional biocompatibility is evident even up to a concentration of 500 µg mL^-1 , the antibacterial activity against E. coli is also seen. Further, rapid detection and superior selectivity for glucose, along with supercabattery behavior, unambiguously demonstrate that this novel monophase is a remarkable multifunctional material than the existing mixed-phase Ti-Zn compounds. The coin-cell supercapacitor shows outstanding stability up to 30 000 cycles with >100% retention capacity. This allows us to prototype a glucose-sensing-triggered energy-storage-device system for wearable point-of-care diagnostic applications.

Keywords: Ti-Zn intermetallic compound; antibacterial; biocompatible; charge storage; glucose sensing; mechanical properties; supercabatteries.