Rapid synthesis of MXenes at room temperature

Abstract

Ti 3 C 2 , one of the most studied MXenes (M is an early transition metal, and X is either C or N), has attracted considerable attention due to their excellent electrical conductivity, hydrophilicity, and catalytic activity. To date, most MXenes are prepared from powders and chemical etching under conditions of either long duration (generally ≥8 h) or high temperature (generally ≥35°C). In this study, Ti 3 C 2 with –F and –O/–OH terminal groups was successfully obtained by electrochemically etching porous Ti 3 AlC 2 sheet electrodes in NH 4 HF 2 solution at room temperature. The reaction mechanism and the effect of voltage were demonstrated. Electrochemical etching could induce subsequent over-etching to generate carbide-derived carbons.