Exfoliation of Ti3 C2 MXene using (NH4 )2TiF6 Etchant and Simultaneous Synthesis of Ti3 C2 MXene/NH4 TiOF3 Mesocrystals Hybrids

Abstract

Abstract A new single-step method is suggested to fabricate block structures consisting of NH4TiOF3 wrapped around Ti3C2 MXene (Ti3C2) by etching Ti3AlC2 MAX phase with (NH4)2TiF6. The optimal reaction conditions for Ti3AlC2 MAX phase and (NH4)2TiF6 are systematically investigated. (NH4)2TiF6 selectively etches the Al in the Ti3AlC2 MAX phase and promotes promoting the mild hydrolysis reaction of (NH4)2TiF6 to form NH4TiOF3 crystals. The exterior shapes of Ti3C2/NH4TiOF3 hybrids can be tuned by adjusting the reagent concentration, reaction temperature. The phase composition, morphology and photophysical properties of the Ti3C2/NH4TiOF3 hybrids are investigated using various characterization techniques. Ti3AlC2 MAX phase reacts with (NH4)2TiF6 at 60 °C for 24 h to form hybrids which are surrounded by NH4TiOF3 crystals simultaneously with the formation of Ti3C2 nanosheet. The resulting Ti3C2/NH4TiOF3 are porous and finely structured, showing potential for various applications in biotechnology, sensing, and environmental fields. This method provides important insights into future applications of Ti3C2/NH4TiOF3 hybrids.