Delamination of Ti3C2TxNanosheets with NaCl and KCl for Improved Environmental Stability of MXene Films

Abstract

Two-dimensional titanium carbide (Ti3C2Tx; MXene) is the most important member of the MXene family with attractive properties and applications in energy storage, electronics, medicine, and many others. A typical synthesis involves selective etching of a layered precursor (MAX phase), followed by intercalation with Li+ ions and delamination into individual flakes. Here, we demonstrate that, by adjusting the etching conditions, Ti3C2Tx MXene can be delaminated with Na+ and K+. Since residual delamination agents are still present on the MXene surface after the delamination process, this protocol allows one to avoid adverse effects of Li+ and to improve the environmental stability of the films.