Synthesis of Accordion‐like Ti₃CN MXene and its Structural Stability in Aqueous Solutions and Organic Solvents

Abstract

MXene materials have shown promising applications in selective separation membranes and many other fields. However, their structural stability which is critically important to applications in the presence of aqueous solutions and organic solvents remains largely unexplored. In this work, we have conducted a systematic study on the synthesis of accordionlike Ti 3 CN MXene and its stability in aqueous solutions, ethanol and N,N-dimethylformamide (DMF). Based on the XRD, SEM and TEM results, 20 % HF acid and an etching time of 24 h is regarded as the optimal parameter to synthesize accordion-like Ti 3 CN MXene. Ti 3 CN MXene exhibits limited stability in the aqueous solutions. Ti 3 CN MXene partially transforms to anatase TiO 2 nanoparticles in pH = 1 and 7 aqueous solutions, and amorphous TiO 2 nanowires in pH = 14 aqueous solution after a 7-day test at 25 °C. When the testing temperature is increased to 80 °C, this structure transformation rate is increased remarkably. Meanwhile, Ti 3 CN MXene shows excellent stability in C 2 H 5 OH and DMF up to 7-day at 25 and 80 °C, respectively. It is believed that these findings are helpful for guiding the controllable synthesis of Ti 3 CN MXene and seeking the potential applications in the presence of aqueous solutions, ethanol and DMF.

Adsorption Properties of the Alkalized Accordion‐Like Ti3CN MXene for Pb(II) Ion

“…This shows that Ti 3 AlCN has completely reacted with HF etchant. The XRD pattern of the etched product is well consistent with that of the accordion‐like Ti 3 CN MXene [7a] . The strongest characteristic diffraction peak of the (002) plane appears at 2θ≈7.18°.…”

“…The accordion‐like Ti 3 CN MXene was synthesized by etching Ti 3 AlCN precursor in HF acid. The synthesis details can be found in our previous work [7a] . The as‐synthesized Ti 3 CN MXene then was subject to heat treatment and alkalization treatment, respectively.…”

Ambient Processed rGO/Ti3CNTx MXene Thin Film with High Oxidation Stability, Photosensitivity, and Self-Cleaning Potential

“…to avoid the hydrolysis . This led to recent attempts to suppress the degradation of Ti 3 CNT x by exchanging water with organic solvents . Ti 3 CNT x was stable for up to 7 days when dispersed in ethanol and N , N -dimethylformamide (DMF), although the solubility of oxygen in both organic solvents many times exceeds the oxygen solubility in water under ambient conditions.…”

“… 21 This led to recent attempts to suppress the degradation of Ti 3 CNT x by exchanging water with organic solvents. 25 Ti 3 CNT x was stable for up to 7 days when dispersed in ethanol and N , N -dimethylformamide (DMF), although the solubility of oxygen in both organic solvents many times exceeds the oxygen solubility in water under ambient conditions. However, the organic-based dispersions of MXenes often have poor colloidal stability at high concentrations and are less environmentally friendly.…”

Trends in Using Fluorescent MXene Quantum Dots for Selective Detection and Bioimaging Applications: A Review

“…These materials have been extensively researched for gene/drug delivery, bioimaging/sensing, tissue engineering, regenerative medicine, cancer theranostics, etc. − The low photoluminescence (PL) response in aqueous solution severely restricts MXene’s wide application in optical and biological areas, despite the fact that it has a significant amount of potential as a device for biosensors. MXene also possesses excellent magnetic, optical, mechanical, and electronic properties. − Various forms of MXene including Mo 2 C, Nb 2 C, Ti 3 C 2 , Ta 4 C 3 , V 2 C, Ti 3 CN, and Ti 2 C have been synthesized to date for their wide application in various industries. − MXenes are considered suitable alternatives to 2D materials like metal oxides and graphene due to their similarity in electrical and structural characteristics. , In the biomedicine and biosensing fields, application of MXene lies in a relatively early stage. In comparison to other 2D materials like graphene, MXene promotes the electron transfer rate in the heterogeneous phase because of its high conductivity .…”