Effect of Different Synthesis Conditions on the Physical and Chemical Properties of MXenes (Two-dimensional Transitional Metal Carbides/Nitrides)

Abstract

Transition metal carbides and nitrides (MXenes) are a new family of two-dimensional (2D) materials first discovered in 2011. They have gained huge interest over the last decade due to their excellent physical and chemical properties. Owing to their fascinating properties, widespread experimental and theoretical research effort has been shown to demonstrate MXenes’ capabilities in several research fields such as energy storage, sensors, electronics, catalysis and water purification. Ti3C2Tx, first and most studied member of the MXene family, has been proven to have exceptional electronic, electrochemical and mechanical properties. Many other MXenes, including V2CTx, Ti2CTx, Nb2CTx, Mo1.33CTx, Mo2TiC2Tx etc. showed interesting characteristics due to their unique structure, morphology and surface chemistries. Most members of the MXene family have been extensively studied for electrochemical applications due to their high surface area to volume ratio, metallic conductivity and metal oxide/hydroxide surface functionalities, making them ideal materials for such applications. To fully utilize such properties, controlled synthesis of MXenes plays a crucial role. Synthesis parameters and post-synthesis treatments can alter the physical and chemical properties of the MXene electrodes dramatically. This study aims to discover the effects of the synthesis procedures on the physical and chemical properties of MXenes and furthermore offer an alternative synthesis method to broaden its application and improve its properties.