The effect of Ti3AlC2 MAX phase synthetic history on the structure and electrochemical properties of resultant Ti3C2 MXenes

The synthesis of MXenes is a lively area of research in today’s materials science community. Pure carbide and nitride samples with tunable properties and crystal size are desirable for the implementation of these promising young materials in the wider economy. Herein, the preparation of Ti3AlC2 MAX...

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Published inMaterials & design Vol. 199; p. 109403
Main Authors von Treifeldt, Joel E., Firestein, Konstantin L., Fernando, Joseph F.S., Zhang, Chao, Siriwardena, Dumindu P., Lewis, Courtney-Elyce M., Golberg, Dmitri V.
Format Journal Article
LanguageEnglish
Published Elsevier Ltd 01.02.2021
Elsevier
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Summary:The synthesis of MXenes is a lively area of research in today’s materials science community. Pure carbide and nitride samples with tunable properties and crystal size are desirable for the implementation of these promising young materials in the wider economy. Herein, the preparation of Ti3AlC2 MAX phase has been studied with a view to improving the quality and purity of the resultant Ti3C2 MXene. Room-temperature high-energy ball milling is exploited for the mechanical activation of elemental powder mixtures, which, along with adjusted input stoichiometry and heat treatment, achieves high-purity and highly crystalline Ti3AlC2 and Ti3C2 with rather quick and easy methodology. Several approaches are offered, as not all of these preparation steps are strictly necessary for acquiring MXene. The structure and properties of Ti3C2 are shown to depend on the preparation history and precursor characteristics. The MXene is additionally shown to perform well as a substrate for binder-free electrochemical cell electrodes; high electrical conductivity and cycling stability render this MXene@Zn anode a viable option for aqueous Zn-ion systems. [Display omitted] •Careful adjustment of input stoichiometry (3.4Ti + 1.5Al + 2C) allows for minimisation of MAX phase and MXene impurities.•Ball milling of Ti-Al-C powders for 4h 40min at 700rpm is shown to produce pure Ti3AlC2, suitable for Ti3C2 synthesis.•Mechanical activation of elemental powder mixture tunes final Ti3C2 MXene lateral size from 3 μm (non-activated) to 1.5 μm (activated).•As an anode for Zn-ion electrochemical systems, Ti3C2 plated with 4 mAh/cm2 of Zn is stable for >100 cycles with overpotential ~200 mV.
ISSN:0264-1275
1873-4197
DOI:10.1016/j.matdes.2020.109403