Here,
two-dimensional (2D) C/TiO2 hybrids synthesized
via oxidation of Ti3C2T
x
MXenes are reported as an ideal electrorheological (ER) candidate
in pursuit of high ER efficiency. The lamellar structure of conductive
carbon layers provides abundant electron transport channels, aiming
to shorten the response time to an electric field, while the TiO2 nanoparticles deliver high surface polarization leading to
high ER effects. The oxidation degrees of Ti3C2T
x
MXenes are systematically controlled
through the hydrothermal method (h-C/TiO2) or CO2 calcination (c-C/TiO2). We comprehensively studied the
relationship between the surface oxidation and ER behaviors of these
C/TiO2 hybrids. It was found that the h-C/TiO2 hybrid exhibited superior ER behaviors compared with the c-C/TiO2 hybrid. The holey h-C/TiO2 architecture creates
large electron and oil transport pathways, which is responsible for
the superior ER performances. Overall, this research provides original
insights into the exciting electroresponsive materials of this quickly
growing 2D MXene family as well as provides a guideline for processing
oxidation of MXenes for diverse applications.