2D Transition Metal Carbides (MXenes) for Energy Conversion and Storage Applications

Abstract

MXenes are 2D inorganic compounds which consist of few atoms of thick layers of transition metal carbides, nitrides, or carbonitrides. These materials possess unique combination of properties of transition metal carbides and hydrophilic nature hydroxyl or oxygen terminated surfaces. MXenes are synthesized by the exfoliation of Al layer from the MAX phase. In the present study, Ti3AlC2 MAX phase was synthesized by following two different experimental schemes. The major difference between the two schemes was the ball milling duration and handling sample to perform sintering. In scheme I, the sample was ball milled for 15 minutes and pelletized for sintering at different temperatures. Whereas, the pelletized sample was covered with 12 hr ball milled powders for sintering in scheme II. Furthermore, the impact of composition, temperature and dwell time was investigated in both the schemes. The formation of different phases was confirmed through different characterization techniques such as X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), field emission electron microscopy (FE-SEM). The formation of oxides was observed in the sintered samples in scheme I. However, non-oxide phases were observed in the sintered samples in scheme II. The best results were obtained by sintering scheme II sample at 1200 °C with composition Ti/Al/C: 5/5/1.9.