Microstructure and tribological property of a MXene derived from Ti3AlC2

Abstract

Ti3C2 layers with a layered two-dimensional structure are synthesized by immersing a precursor Ti3AlC2 with hydrofluoric acid solution. The microstructure of Ti3C2 layers is analyzed by SEM, XRD, Raman and AFM. Additionally, the tribological behavior of Ti3C2 layers is investigated at various loads and sliding speeds by sliding against Si3N4 balls on a UMT-2 tribometer. In comparison, the tribological behavior of Ti3AlC2 at various loads is tested under identical condition. The results indicate that the Ti3C2 layers have been successfully prepared and their thickness mainly distributes in the range of 2.3-3.1 nm. Moreover, the Ti3C2 layers exhibit better tribological behavior than its precursor -Ti3AlC2 in dry sliding. It is expected that the Ti3C2 layers will be applied as a solid lubricant additive for other materials.