Synthesis of Ti 3 C 2 T x MXene from the Ti 3 AlC 2 MAX phase with enhanced optical and morphological properties by using ammonia solution with the in-situ HF forming method

• Published in: Physica scripta 2022-02, Vol.97 (2), p.25807
• Main Authors: Ashok, Anamika, Saseendran, Swathy B, Asha, A S
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• ISSN: 0031-8949; 1402-4896
• DOI: 10.1088/1402-4896/ac4c53

Liquid phase exfoliation of Ti 3 C 2 T x MXene using LiF/HCl mix, forming HF in situ, has been modified by the addition of NH 4 OH. The base assisted dilution and extraction of MXene enables a quick control over pH and improves the structural, morphological and optical properties of the compound. The formation of a buffer compound NH 4 F, reduces the oxidation on the surface of MXene and etches off the residual MAX phase, by attacking Al. The structural features of the prepared NH 4 OH added Ti 3 C 2 T x MXene are remarkably better than the HF etched samples, with the characteristic MXene peak in XRD being emphasized in the former. The addition of ammonia solution improves the milder in situ HF etching technique, by giving the characteristic open accordion structure to the compound, making the compound easy to delaminate and more stable against oxidation in ambient atmosphere.