Microwave-assisted rapid MAX phase etching and delamination: A paradigm shift in MXene synthesis

• Main Authors: Numan, A., Rafique, S., Khalid, M., Zaharin, H.A., Radwan, A., Mokri, N.A., Ching, O.P., Walvekar, R.
• Format: Article
• Published: Elsevier Ltd 2022
• Online Access: https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85132891318&doi=10.1016%2fj.matchemphys.2022.126429&partnerID=40&md5=3c95d21a886f6aa077aa89162f84776d; http://eprints.utp.edu.my/33513/

This work describes a novel and rapid strategy to produce delaminated MXene sheets from the MAX phase. The current method uses a novel microwave-assisted hydrothermal method to etch aluminium (Al) from the MAX phase (as well as delaminate) within 2 h of processing which has remarkably reduced time from up to 48 h to 30 min and temperature from 180 to 40 °C. A range of characterizations was carried out to evaluate the properties of the MXene. The X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction patterns exhibited the spectra typical of Ti3C2Tx extracted from Ti3AlC2 after rapid etching of Al. These results were complemented by scanning and transmission electron microscopies, UV�visible absorption spectrum, and BET absorption-desorption curves. The results depicted the formation of high-quality MXene with negligible Al traces, which confirms the efficacy of the current method. This work not only establishes a comprehensive methodology for rapidly synthesizing high-quality MXene in bulk quantities but also opens up new avenues for its commercial applications. © 2022 Elsevier B.V.