Welcome to Journal of Synthetic Crystals! Today is

Journal of Synthetic Crystals ›› 2026, Vol. 55 ›› Issue (9): 1410-1426.DOI: 10.16553/j.cnki.issn1000-985x.2026.0047

• Reviews • Previous Articles     Next Articles

Research Status and Prospects of MAX Phase/MXene Reinforced Ag-Based Electrical Contact Materials

LI Shupeng1,2(), CHU Zhongqiu1,2, WANG Jialiang1,2, MA Shikun1,2, HE Jiahao3, KANG Hengtao1,2   

  1. 1.School of Materials Science and Engineering,Anhui University of Technology,Ma’anshan 243002,China
    2.Key Laboratory of Green Fabrication and Surface Technology of Advanced Metal Materials,Ministry of Education,Anhui University of Technology,Ma’anshan 243002,China
    3.School of Microelectronics and Data Science,Anhui University of Technology,Ma’anshan 243032,China
  • Received:2026-03-23 Online:2026-09-20 Published:2026-09-29

Abstract: As the core supporting material in low-voltage switches, the performance of Ag-based electrical contacts directly influences the safety and reliability of power system operations. The application of traditional Ag/CdO is limited due to the toxicity of Cd, while existing non-toxic alternatives suffer from significant deficiencies in both microstructure and performance. MAX phase, along with their two-dimensional derivatives, MXene, combine the advantages of both metals and ceramics, showcasing distinctive characteristics in processing, electrical and thermal conductivity, and arc erosion resistance. They are therefore promising candidates as environmentally friendly reinforcement phases for Ag-based contacts. This review firstly provides a comprehensive overview of the types, development, and advantages and limitations of traditional Ag-based electrical contact materials. It further summarizes recent research advancements in the fabrication processes, composition selection, microstructural regulation, and performance optimization of Ag/MAX/MXene composites. Special emphasis is placed on the arc erosion resistance and the underlying mechanisms of Ag/MAX/MXene composites. Finally, based on the evaluation of the application potential of this composite system in electrical contacts, the current challenges and future development directions are discussed.

Key words: electrical contact material; Ag; MAX phase; MXene; interfacial diffusion; arc erosion

CLC Number: