Guidelines for Synthesis and Processing of Two-Dimensional Titanium Carbide (Ti3C2Tx MXene)

This chapter describes the experimental methods and best practices to synthesize the most studied MXene, titanium carbide, using different etchants and delamination methods. It explains effects of synthesis parameters on the size and quality of Ti3C2Tx and suggests the optimal processes for the desired application. Using intercalating compounds to expand the interlayer spacing of Ti3C2Tx flakes has proven to be a key step for weakening the interactions between 2D layers and delaminating MXene into separate 2D sheets. The intercalation and delamination process typically requires a suitable solvent for the material and intercalant, a mixing step where the intercalant is introduced between 2D sheets, occasionally a sonication step depending on desired flake size and concentration. Additionally, since MXenes can be redispersed in different solvents, another practice to store MXenes is to filter the colloidal solution and store the resulting film under vacuum.