Defect-rich and highly porous carbon nanosheets derived from Ti3AlC2 MAX with good lithium storage properties

Abstract

Defect-rich, highly porous two-dimensional carbon nanosheets (CNS) have attracted tremendous research interests in catalysis and environmental purification and other fields, because of their unique micromorphology, chemical stability and high specific surface area. Herein, in this work, we report a new solution to synthesize an ultrathin two-dimensional CNS with rich defects and abundant pores via two-step etching the Ti3AlC2 with the help of I2 and NaOH. The CNS thickness, specific surface area and pore volume could be all tunable by adding the amount of I2. And the highest specific surface area and pore volume of the synthesized 2D CNS can be achieved 1134.4 m2/g and 0.80 cm3/g, with a thickness of only 0.64 nm and a yield of 35.9%. When employed as the anodes for lithium-ion batteries, the synthesized CNS anodes exhibit good cycling and rate capabilities. This work provides a novel and facile strategy for synthesizing highly porous and defective 2D carbon materials with good lithium storage properties.